Jordan backs Petra tourism with wage subsidies and loan relief for workers

Jordan’s cabinet approved a JOD 5 mn (USD 7.05 mn) support package for the tourism industry in the Petra region as part of an 11-measure rescue meant to protect jobs and ease financial strain for workers and businesses at the country’s crown-jewel destination. The package builds on a run of measures rolled out since the start of the year, including subsidized financing and government-covered loan interest for tourism firms nationwide.

The support package goes towards payroll and cashflow: The government will cover 50% of social security-covered wages for around 900 tourism workers through to the end of the year, and 35% for more than 500 staff at international hotel chains over the same period. A separate program brings 280 unemployed workers back onto the books for six months Tourism establishments are also getting a one-year deferral on loan instalments — with the state absorbing the interest, estimated at JOD 2.27 mn (USD 3.2 mn) — plus rescheduled social security, tax, electricity, and water payments, most with interest and penalties waived.