DoS and
MoTA implement a project
to develop tourism statistics
DoS and
MoTA implement a project
to develop tourism statistics
Amman – This morning representatives of the tourism sector were introduced to an initiative to set up a Tourism Satellite Accounts system (TSA) in Jordan in order to measure the economic impact of tourism on the country's economy. Director General of the Department of Statistics (DoS ) Dr. Gazi Shbaikat opened the session with brief remarks on the importance of tourism statistics for the development of the sector . Dr. Shbaikat indicated that the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project is working with the DoS and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) to implement this initiative, which will provide a useful statistical tool. A TSA unit that is in line with international best practices will be set up at DoS, with support from the USAID project. Dr. Shbaikat said.
The TSA is a statistical instrument, a “satellite” revolving around the concepts, definitions and aggregates of the System of National Accounts that makes it possible to make valid tourism economic comparisons with other industries, as well as between countries or groups of countries
The TSA entails gathering information through seven difference surveys that cover areas such as employment, household expenditure, transport, etc. One needed survey has already been completed; the National Tourism Visitor Survey was conducted in 2006/2007 by DoS and funded by the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project. They results of this survey will be used to feed information on arrivals and departure numbers into the TSA system.
Secretary General of MoTA Farouk Al Hadidi said that there is an increasing awareness of the economic impacts of tourism, therefore, a number of countries and international organizations have been involved in the development of techniques relevant to the measurement of tourism’s economic impact. Al Hadeed added that Tourism Satellite Accounts is an economic model designed to assess the impact of tourism on the economy.
Although the development of TSA can take several years to be fully in place, the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project has been working with MoTA and DoS to develop systems in place to reach the 10 components required for a fully operational TSA. Once in place, the Government of Jordan (GoJ) can more accurately assess tourism impact on GDP, employment, government revenue, and a host of other economic development indicators. Siyaha will work with GoJ agencies, institutional bodies, MoTA, and Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) to establish a consistent system for data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and distribution, said Dr. Josepf Ruddy, the Human Resources Development Component Leader at the USAID. Dr. Ruddy revealed that the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project will coordinate the work of the national steering committee for TSA and associated working groups. He added that further support will be provided in training courses and registration with the World Tourism Organization (WTO).
Today's presentation explored aspects and requirements of the TSA system guidelines, and the efforts required to address the introduction of a Tourism Satellite Account in line with the World Tourism Organizations’ standards. It was preceded by a workshop held yesterday to provide training on implementing TSA in Jordan and how to out in place a system in accordance with international standards. The workshop was attended by technical specialists from DoS, MoTA, the Central Bank of Jordan and the Jordan Tourism Board. These organizations are directly involved in the surveys, data processing and producing the TSA reports.