lexpress.fr
Middle East Conflicts Devastate Jordan's Tourism, Petra Sees 97% Drop in Hotel Occupancy
Due to the ongoing Middle East conflicts, tourism in Jordan, especially at the Petra archeological site, has plummeted, with hotel occupancy at 2-3%, severely impacting local businesses and economies, prompting the implementation of measures to regulate future tourism.
- How has the recent conflict in Gaza impacted tourism in Jordan, specifically at the Petra archeological site?
- The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza war, have drastically reduced tourism in Jordan, impacting sites like Petra. Hotel occupancy in Petra is at a mere 2-3%, and businesses reliant on tourism, such as souvenir shops, are severely struggling. This decline in tourism has wide-ranging consequences for the Jordanian economy.
- What are the broader economic and social consequences of the decline in tourism for the local population, particularly the Bedouin communities?
- The decrease in tourism at Petra is directly linked to the fear among Western tourists of traveling to a region bordering conflict zones. This is evident in the 60% decrease in French tourists compared to 2023 and the halting of construction projects in nearby cities. These impacts highlight how regional instability significantly affects even stable countries like Jordan.
- How might Jordan leverage this period of reduced tourism to address previous issues of overtourism and create a more sustainable model for the future?
- The current downturn presents an opportunity to address Petra's previous challenge of overtourism. Initiatives like regulated visit slots, extended visit options (e.g., virtual reality experiences), and new walking paths are being implemented to enhance the visitor experience and manage the site sustainably. The potential for a rebound is linked to a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the revival of cruise tourism in Aqaba.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the economic consequences of the conflict on Petra and the tourism sector. While the suffering of individuals is highlighted, the focus remains largely on the financial losses and the disruption to business. The human cost of the conflict in the wider region receives less emphasis. The headline (if there was one) likely focused on the economic aspects, further shaping the reader's understanding.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. However, phrases like "victims of the wars," while factually accurate, might be considered slightly loaded as they imply a passive role for Jordan in the regional conflicts. Similarly, describing the situation as a "catastrophe" is emotionally charged. More neutral phrasing could be used such as "negatively affected" or "significantly impacted.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic impact of the decline in tourism to Petra, and the perspectives of those directly affected (hotel owners, tour guides, shopkeepers). However, it gives less attention to the perspectives of Jordanian citizens who are not directly involved in tourism, or to broader political and social consequences of the conflict. The potential long-term environmental impact of reduced tourism on Petra is also not discussed. While this could be due to space constraints, these omissions limit the overall understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the situation, contrasting the negative economic impacts of the conflict with the potential benefits of reduced tourism (less overcrowding). It doesn't fully explore the complexities of the situation, such as the potential for alternative economic development strategies for Petra or the possibility of sustainable tourism practices that would mitigate negative impacts while maintaining economic benefits.
Sustainable Development Goals
The decline in tourism due to regional conflicts has severely impacted the livelihoods of many Jordanians, particularly those in the tourism sector (e.g., hotel workers, restaurant owners, tour guides, Bedouin shopkeepers). The article highlights significant job losses and business closures, pushing families into poverty.