“India is a new and emerging market for us. The response from the Indian tourists has been tremendous since 2009 in terms of tourist inflow. We consider India as one of the leading source markets for tourism in Jordan,” says Nayef H Alfayez, managing director of Jordan Tourism Board, who was here for the annual road show to promote Jordan tourism in India.The Jordan Tourism Board is on a promotion spree in various cities across India as it is overwhelmed with the reported increased influx of Indian tourists in 2011 in Jordan despite all the unrest in the Middle-East. Increase in Indian touristsThere has been a considerable increase in the number of Indian tourists visiting Jordan. “Tourist inflow from India grew 73 per cent in 2009-2010 over the previous year, taking the number to 51,000. We have seen 29,000 arrivals from India in the first five months this year, which is a 43 per cent increase compared with the same period last year,” says Alfayez. Trade relationsTrade relations have always been strong between India and Jordan since a very long time and the signing of the Trade and Economic Joint Committe in 1976 just made it even better, he says adding, “A lot of Indian companies have set up their units in Jordan. With this increase in tourism sector, things have gotten better. The turmoil in the Middle-East has not affected our relationships, as Indians do not generalise the situation of our neighbouring countries with Jordan, which is the main reason why we have a strong relationship with this country.”Visa restrictionsPrior to 2009, there were many stringent measures for providing visas to tourists in Jordan. “Now the Jordan government has made it easier for Indian tourists. Indians can get their visa stamped for two-weeks stay at Jordan airport itself,” says Alfayez.Tourist destinationsThe major attractions in the country are the dead sea, which is now among the Seven Wonders of the world, and historical ruins of the city of Petra, Jerash, Karak, Mount Nebo, Madaba and many more. Each of these tourist destinations have something very unique about them. Like the Dead Sea, where due to its excessive salinity and mineral content, it is almost impossible for people to get drowned. Dead Sea is also called the world’s biggest natural spa, as the clay of Dead Sea is said to be the best for one’s skin. All the tourist destinations are not just memoirs of history, but are also portray diverse culture, cuisines, life of people and their customs and traditions. The City of Petra is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its rediscovery in 2012, in which a special Indian segment will be included. Alfayez says, “At Jersha festival, we have an year-long celebration of the rediscovery of Petra. Jordanians love Bollywood and so, we are including a special segment of dance and Indian food which is one of the highlights of the festival.”
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