Amman-Islamic Tourism
Jordanians wait for summer in eager anticipation and welcome it warmly. Families are glad to see their sons working in the Gulf States and other countries. They come to spend their holidays with their relatives. Jordan also plays host to thousands of Gulf families who come for medical treatment and as tourists. Most Jordanian traders look forward to summer as their best season due to the high purchasing power of Gulf tourists and expatriates.
Several government, semi-government and private departments have used their initiative to organise festivals, celebrations and circus shows to provide visitors with a carnival atmosphere.
The largest of these festivals is the month-long Global Village, which is to be staged in Murj Al-Hammam in the Jordanian capital, with the participation of 23 countries. They will exhibit their handcrafts and entertain visitors with folkloric shows throughout July. The village will include special stands for children as well as crafts and other stands. There will be a leisure city for children and their families.
At a recent press conference to introduce the festival, Mrs. Aula Al-Misri, the director of the village, told journalists that the sponsors include Al-Dostor newspaper, Regency Hotel, Amman municipality counsel and others. Mr. Saif Al-Sharif, general director of Al-Dostor described the carnival as a tourism, cultural and economic extravaganza.
The head of Islamic Tourism’s office in Amman pointed out that winter rather than summer is the time for such activities, which should be aimed at European tourists. The focus should be on the multifarious Arab-Islamic heritage, instead of singing and dancing. |