Tag Archives: Addis Ababa

Jordan attracts 2.79mn tourists during H1, 2024

Jordan’s tourism sector experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, according to the mid-year report of the executive program for the Economic Modernization Vision. The country welcomed 2.79 million tourists during this period, with tourism revenues reaching JD2.33 billion.

The report highlighted that the tourism sector employed 54,000 workers by the end of the first quarter. Additionally, 138,000 passengers arrived in Jordan through low-cost and regular flights, with a total of 993 flights bringing visitors to the Kingdom. Unified ticket sales during this period totaled 59,000.

Progress has been made in developing archaeological and tourist sites, including the Citadel Mountain project, which has reached 55 percent completion. Preparations are also underway to finalize studies and designs for the Jerash archaeological site.

The report noted efforts to enhance connectivity with target countries. By mid-year, about 123,000 passengers arrived via contracted low-cost airlines from 18 destinations. United Airlines brought 15,000 passengers from Washington to Amman, while a charter flight from Slovakia to Aqaba carried 111 passengers in June. New agreements with Jazeera Airways and Ethiopian Airlines will further improve flight connectivity, linking Jordan with Kuwait and Addis Ababa.

Heritage preservation and development efforts have also progressed. The Falah Al-Hamad Heritage House in As-Salt has been restored, and various archaeological sites, including Shobak Castle and Jerash Archaeological Wall, are under maintenance. A new facility, the Nujes Center for the Preservation of Archaeological Holdings, was completed to safeguard archaeological pieces.

The amended Tourism Law of 2024 introduced a fund for tourism sector development, replaced the licensing system with an approval system, and promoted sustainable tourism. The law also simplifies procedures to attract more tourists and boost the local economy.

Significant strides were made in product and experience development, with projects like the Rum Village Expansion and Wadi Rum Road Rehabilitation underway. Cultural tourism trails and other initiatives aim to enhance tourist experiences and promote regional attractions.

The “Our Jordan is Paradise” program has boosted domestic tourism, achieving a 122 percent growth in the first half of the year compared to 2023. Additionally, Jordan hosted several international conferences, including the 11th Ministerial Cooperative Conference of Asia-Pacific Countries, enhancing its profile as a conference destination.

Overall, the report underscores Jordan’s commitment to expanding its tourism sector, with various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, preserving heritage, and enhancing connectivity, all contributing to the country’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination.

Ethiopian Airlines to connect Chennai with three weekly flights from July 2

Completes 50 years of flying to Mumbai

In order to celebrate 50 years of flying to Mumbai, Ethiopian Airlines is set to bring the fourth destination from India – Chennai – on its route map from July 2. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Chennai to its Addis Ababa hub.

Making this announcement yesterday at an event in Mumbai at ITC Maratha Sahar, Lemma Yadecha Gudeta, Chief Commercial Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said, “After flying to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, we are now launching flights to Chennai from July 2. We will deploy our wide-body Boeing 787 on the route, offering 24 seats in Business Class and 246 in Economy Class.”

Dr Tizita Mulugeta, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to India, said that there has been a long standing demand from the business community of South India for a direct connection to Addis Ababa, and this flight will best serve their interests.

Gudeta said that primarily targeting business travellers, this service will support leisure travellers as well as VFR traffic, in that order.

Commenting on the existing India routes, Gudeta said, hopefully by June or July, Ethiopian will reach normal operations of double-daily flights to New Delhi and Mumbai, and four weekly flights to Bengaluru. Air capacity was curtailed due to the pandemic.

Currently, the flag carrier of Ethiopia operates passenger flights to Delhi (since 55 years) , Mumbai (since 50 years) and Bengaluru (since 2019). Ethiopian Airlines connects to 62 destinations in Africa.

Tigist Eshetu, Regional Director, India Sub Continent and Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, GSA for Ethiopian Airlines, were also present on the occasion.