The King to Begin European Tour Including Germany and Bulgaria Next Week - Jordan News
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Al Bawaba
24 minutes ago
- Al Bawaba
King of Jordan visits Germany; calls for immediate global action to halt Gaza famine
Published July 29th, 2025 - 02:58 GMT King Abdullah urged the global community to take immediate and unified steps to halt the worsening famine and suffering among Gaza's civilian population. ALBAWABA- Jordan's King Abdullah II met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday for high-level talks focused on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and broader regional stability. The meeting, held at the Federal Chancellery, was followed by a joint press conference where both leaders emphasized the urgency of coordinated international action. المستشار الألماني فريدريش ميرتس في استقبال جلالة الملك عبدالله الثاني لدى وصوله إلى مقر المستشارية الألمانية في برلين #الأردن #ألمانيا His Majesty King Abdullah II is received by Chancellor of #Germany Friedrich Merz upon arrival at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin#Jordan — RHC (@RHCJO) July 29, 2025 King Abdullah urged the global community to take immediate and unified steps to halt the worsening famine and suffering among Gaza's civilian population. He stressed that aid must not be politicized and condemned the targeting of civilians seeking food as 'unconscionable.' 'The war in Gaza must end,' he stated. 'The humanitarian catastrophe has reached unspeakable levels. We continue to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid throughout Gaza.' Highlighting Jordan's ongoing humanitarian role, he noted that the kingdom has led regional efforts to deliver aid convoys, medical support, and safe passage for the wounded. He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to supporting a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace. The leaders also addressed the importance of Syria's stability. King Abdullah emphasized that sustained international support is essential to prevent renewed conflict and help Syrians rebuild a stable and prosperous nation that reflects the country's diversity. Also Read Russia strikes prison in Ukraine, kills at least 17 On bilateral relations, both leaders underscored the strength of the Jordan-Germany partnership, rooted in shared values and cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian fields. Chancellor Merz announced Germany's plans to collaborate with Jordan to airlift aid into Gaza, underscoring Berlin's concern over the deteriorating situation in the enclave. His comments came amid growing domestic pressure; a new public survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Germans want their government to increase pressure on Israel to ease restrictions and facilitate humanitarian relief. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Jordan News
2 hours ago
- Jordan News
6% Decline in Number of Jordanians Traveling Abroad for Tourism - Jordan News
Tourism experts have emphasized the importance of supporting domestic tourism amid a decline in the number of Jordanians traveling abroad for tourism. According to preliminary official data published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and based on Central Bank figures, the number of Jordanians who traveled abroad during the first half of this year reached 806,970, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Experts stressed the need to provide suitable tourism infrastructure to encourage locals to explore domestic destinations. They also recommended expanding the 'Our Jordan is Paradise' program ('Urdunna Jannah') to include more destinations with a variety of affordable hotel options, along with promotional offers tailored for local tourists. According to the data: In 2023, the number of Jordanians traveling abroad during the first half of the year totaled 856,776, with monthly breakdowns as follows: January: 136,538 February: 132,495 March: 116,756 April: 125,535 May: 118,152 June: 227,300 In 2024, the number totaled 806,970, with monthly figures as: January: 159,085 February: 129,749 March: 126,032 April: 113,692 May: 118,957 June: 159,455 Causes of Decline Experts agree that the reduction in low-cost flight options to and from Jordan amid regional tensions has contributed significantly to the drop in Jordanian travelers. Additionally, rising travel costs to popular destinations like Turkey have made foreign tourism less attractive. Industry Insights Mohammad Al-Qassem, a member of the Jordan Hotels Association and tourism expert, confirmed that reduced low-cost flight frequencies and geopolitical developments, along with rising travel costs, have led to a drop in outbound tourism. He noted that a 5.8% decrease may not be dramatic, but it's an indicator that domestic tourism needs more support. Al-Qassem stressed that travel is important for exposure to new cultures and experiences, and shouldn't be heavily restricted, but encouraged alongside local tourism growth. He also pointed out that economic challenges and declining income have made it difficult for many to afford travel. Al-Qassem emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure in northern Jordan, and offering low-cost hotels to attract tourists, especially during summer, as alternatives to warmer destinations like the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Northern sites such as Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais, and Jerash offer attractive options. He also proposed comprehensive tour programs that include interaction with local communities, traditional meals, and cultural experiences, which would also boost the local economy. Al-Qassem called for an expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program, suggesting it should include more destinations and operate throughout the week, not just on weekends. He concluded that a successful tourism sector requires strong infrastructure, a complete tourism product, and public-private partnerships to manage and improve tourist sites without compromising heritage. Geopolitical Impact Nidal Malu Al-Ain, another tourism expert, said the decline in travel is mainly due to the halt of low-cost flights, which were heavily used for trips to Europe. He also cited economic constraints, income decline, and regional geopolitical instability as key factors. Al-Ain believes that many Jordanians are interested in domestic tourism and prefer spending their vacation days in Jordan—provided that affordable tourism facilities are available. He emphasized the need to establish a model of 'popular tourism' with comprehensive and budget-friendly services, especially for middle-income groups. He urged expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program or launching a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic travel through promotional packages. Al-Ain also suggested supporting existing tourism facilities by reducing operational costs (e.g., energy bills) and offering deferred financial obligations to tourism businesses. He proposed that hotels offer promotions like free nights with bookings. 'Urdunna Jannah' Program Mahmoud Al-Khasawneh, another tourism specialist, said that regional instability is a major reason for the drop in outbound tourism. He emphasized that domestic tourism must be improved to reduce the number of Jordanians traveling abroad. He noted that while the government-run 'Urdunna Jannah' program plays an important role, a private-sector-driven counterpart should also be developed to offer exclusive packages, especially for Jordanian expatriates returning during the summer. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the program recorded 79,017 participants between April and July 2025. The program was temporarily suspended in December 2024, and resumed in April 2025. Participation figures since resumption are: April: 5,193 participants May: 36,991 participants June: 13,681 participants July (to date): 23,152 participants Previously, the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents stated that Turkey (Antalya, Trabzon, Istanbul) and Egypt (particularly Sharm El Sheikh) remain the top destinations for Jordanians traveling abroad.
Jordan News
2 hours ago
- Jordan News
Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday - Jordan News
اضافة اعلان Do you want a different vacation, a journey that goes beyond shopping and relaxation, and takes you to the depths of history, during which you can live moments of true magic? UNESCO recently unveiled the addition of a new collection of unique cultural sites to its World Heritage List, priceless places that store stories of glory, legends, and civilizations that continue to fascinate the world. From the banks of the Seine River in France to the mysterious forests of Jamaica, from the industrial landmarks of Germany to the legendary temples of Cambodia, here are five magical sites that are worth your next trip, because they are unforgettable human experiences, beyond being ordinary tourist destinations. The palaces of King Ludwig II in Bavaria. Germany: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday If you think German architecture is dry and rigid, the palaces of King Ludwig II will completely change your outlook. The most famous of these is the Neuschwanstein Palace, which resembles fairy tale palaces. Built in the 19th century, the palace reflects the king's lavish taste and love of mythology and opera. The three palaces built by the king: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Hernkemsee, are now World Heritage sites. These palaces are a mixture of history, art, and royal drama, all set amidst stunning Bavarian landscapes, adding to the charm of the experience, and these magnificent buildings attract millions of people, so if you are an architecture lover interested in history and romantics, you are sure to spend a wonderful holiday in Bavaria in these three fictional palaces. The sites of the Minoan civilization in Crete. Greece: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Who would have imagined that the myth of the labyrinth and the monster "Minotaur" had real roots? At the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, traces of the oldest advanced civilization in Europe (Minoan or Minoan) can be seen. Five other archaeological sites, such as Zagros and Malia, received global recognition from UNESCO this year. The maze is worth a visit because it tells the story of a thriving civilization thousands of years ago, master's in architecture and art, and had commercial contact with the cultures of the Mediterranean basin. Minoan art and culture are characterized by a clear love of nature, movement, and bright colors, which is clearly evident in the murals, pottery, and sculptures they are left behind. If you are a fan of murals that tell scenes from everyday life, religious rituals, and landscapes, and you are a fan of a sophisticated artistic sense, you will have an enjoyable journey with the heritage of the Minoan civilization. The huge stones of Karnak. France: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Carnac stones in Brittany are among the largest stone formations in Europe. More than 3,000 carved rocks, meticulously placed in place some 5,000 years ago. So why is it worth a visit? It offers a glimpse into a mysterious and well-organized civilization, showing how ancient humans understood nature, stars and terrestrial energy, amidst stunning French rural landscapes. Execution fields. Cambodia: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Not every human heritage is beautiful, some document painful chapters of human history. UNESCO has listed sites linked to the Khmer Rouge genocide, such as Tul Sleng Prison and the Choyeong-eek execution site, as a World Heritage Site as a testament to crimes committed against the Cambodian people during the seventies. Why is this visit worth it? Because remembering tragedies is a human and moral imperative. Visiting these sites reminds us of the importance of peace and the need to preserve human dignity. «Port Royal» Jamaica. A city swallowed by the sea: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Port Royal was one of the most corrupt and decaying cities in the world during the 17th century, until an earthquake in 1692 submerged large parts of it under water. Today, what remains of the city, above and below sea level, is part of the UNESCO list. Why is it worth visiting? It gives you a vivid glimpse into early colonial life, piracy, and maritime trade in the Caribbean, all set in a breathtaking tropical setting. Zahrat Al Khaleej - Jordan
