Lower House approves Senate amendments to 2016 Tourism Law

AMMAN — Lawmakers on Tuesday approved amendments to the 2016 Tourism Law and discussed the draft civil aviation law. 

MPs approved the amendments made by the Senate on the tourism bill, which seeks to provide judicial status to the commissions with the Ministry of Tourism.

The Senate returned to the Lower House draft amendments of the 2016 Tourism Law, after adding some changes that grant legal personality to commissions that administer tourist attractions “of a special nature”, and that allow such commissions to accept donations and gifts after the Cabinet’s approval.
The Lower House had previously refused such suggestions.

Commissions will now have the authority to inspect any tourism facility, check and record potential violation.

Deputy Saleh Armouti (Amman, 3rd District) argued that “this might give the chance for decision makers to abuse authority”, adding that “we must take our time to inspect laws carefully”.

MPs also discussed the draft civil aviation law, which regulates airport licences, air traffic and weather forecast services provided to civil aviation, to have them meet national standards and abide by international conventions.

The Lower House and members of the government attending the session observed a minute of silence to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Karamah Battle.

MP Ahmad Lozi (Amman, 5th District), who is a Karamah Battle veteran said “this event left an indelible mark in our hearts; we have the absolute right to be proud of our army, who deserves all the respect and appreciation that we can offer”.

On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Lower House Deputy Speaker Khamis Atiyeh felicitated Jordanian mothers in general and mothers of Jordanian soldiers and security personnel who died in the line of duty  in particular.