His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Tuesday attended the launch of a national programme to promote domestic tourism and create job opportunities.

Under the programme, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board, will cover 40 per cent of the cost of domestic tourism group trips, in addition to providing free transportation.

Crown Prince Al Hussein attended the launch ceremony, held at the Jordan Museum and attended by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, in line with His Royal Highness’ efforts to support the tourism sector as a key driver for empowering local communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, which included an iftar, Tourism Minister Majd Shweikeh said the programme is designed for Jordanian families and will include electronic reservation services, in addition to the traditional method through tourism directorates around the Kingdom.

The minister added that facilities at tourist sites have been renovated and have undergone maintenance to better serve the public, adding that this step will be followed by other efforts to meet the needs of the public.

A number of senior officials and officers, as well as representatives of civil society organisations, the private sector, and tourism agencies attended the ceremony.