The prospect of an imminent war and the continuing conflict in Israel are crippling Jordan's hotel and tourism industry.
Despite being considered the safest Middle Eastern country and, therefore, a haven for journalists and UN officials during periods of conflict, hotels in the country's capital, Amman, are facing uncomfortably low occupancy levels.
"Hotels are fighting over very small amounts of business," said Shukri Ammouri, sales manager at the 275-bedroom Radisson SAS in Amman. "Everyone is rate-dumping just to get people in their hotel, which means hotels are losing money or just breaking even."
The 432-bedroom Le Méridien said occupancy levels were about 25-30%, and the 450-bedroom InterContinental, which benefits from the majority of foreign press trade, about 35%.
Hotels in Amman report that, so far, UN officials have been the main source of war-related business, but a spokesman for the InterContinental said bookings by journalists were rising again. The Four Seasons hotel is offering a special package and reduced rates to members of the press to encourage business.
By Jessica Gunn