Amman, Aug 23 (Petra) – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin said on Saturday that the criteria for selecting proposed projects under the second executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) (2026–2029) focus on achieving tangible economic impact, strengthening the sector’s contribution to development, and linking projects to the initiatives set out in the vision, as well as readiness for implementation and the availability of financial allocations. He stressed these standards are a genuine guarantee of project success and sustainability.

Speaking at a sectoral workshop to prepare the second executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision for the tourism sector, Hijazin highlighted the importance of ensuring the feasibility and sustainability of projects and their capacity to deliver real impact in developing tourism and enhancing competitiveness. He underlined tourism’s role as a main driver of economic growth, generating direct and indirect jobs for Jordanian youth and empowering local communities.

Hijazin also pointed to the importance of public-private partnerships in meeting challenges and realizing the vision’s goals, stressing that collective effort was needed to overcome obstacles in the national interest and for the benefit of tourism.

Participants in the tourism workshop said the session marked a key step in translating the economic vision into actionable measures, creating a framework for partnership among stakeholders to improve tourism offerings and boost investment.

Held at the Prime Ministry, the workshop provided a platform for sharing initiatives and plans to develop tourism products and strengthen Jordan’s standing on the global tourism map.

The session discussed a number of core initiatives in the second executive program, including promoting domestic tourism, developing products and experiences across different segments, revitalizing city centers, enhancing and stimulating investment in the tourism sector, and linking Jordan with target countries and markets.

Other initiatives centered on tourism marketing through promotional campaigns in target markets and advertising diverse products, in addition to investment and community empowerment initiatives such as mapping investment opportunities, activating the Tourism Development Fund, and creating opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities.

On heritage management and protection, the workshop addressed initiatives to develop archaeological museums, safeguard collections, upgrade storage facilities, position Jordan as a regional hub for conservation training, and preserve and develop archaeological and tourist sites.

The workshop also covered human resources initiatives such as upskilling sector workers and training national talent, as well as digital transformation projects including a tourism sector data system and smart tourism services.

//Petra// AF

23/08/2025 21:16:45