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Jordan ‘s tourism is booming with visa-free access for 11 countries, attracting visitors to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, and offering luxury and diverse travel experiences.

Jordan’s tourism sector is flourishing, bolstered by the introduction of visa-free access for citizens of 11 countries. Luxurious hotels offer top-tier accommodations, seamlessly blending comfort for both leisure and business travelers. 2023 saw an impressive 6.354 million inflow of international tourists .
Jordan’s Tourism Boom: Visa-Free Access, Cultural Treasures, and Luxurious Hospitality

Visitors are drawn to iconic sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, immersing themselves in the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The promotion of cultural tourism, highlighting Jordan’s extensive history and archaeological marvels, attracts history enthusiasts from around the globe. Business travel is thriving, supported by state-of-the-art conference facilities and a welcoming business environment. Leisure tourism is enriched with diverse experiences, from adventure tours to relaxing spa retreats. Jordan’s commitment to accessibility and variety in travel experiences ensures its position as a premier global destination.

TTW Editor in Chief said: “Jordan’s tourism is really taking off, and it’s amazing to see. Thanks to the visa-free access for citizens of 11 countries, more people can easily visit this beautiful country. When you think of Jordan, iconic sites like Petra and Wadi Rum come to mind, and these cultural treasures are attracting visitors from all over the world. With a welcoming atmosphere it makes it a prime spot for international meetings. Not underestimating the luxury hotels that offer incredible comfort, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Jordan truly has everything needed to be a top global destination.”

Tourism Growth in Jordan

A 25.8% increase compared to 2022 and an 18.5% rise from 2019, an increase by 22%. The first quarter of 2024 saw a total of 1.334 million tourists. Domestic tourism to Petra, Aqaba, and Wadi Rum accounted for 35,000 out of the 40,689 domestic tourists in Q1 2024, driven by the Urdunna Jannah program.

Skyrocketing Tourism Revenue
Jordan’s tourism revenue has surged to a remarkable $7.4 billion in 2023, marking a substantial 27.4% increase, as reported by the Jordan News Agency. The notable revenue growth is driven by a significant 25.8% rise in tourist arrivals, totaling 6.353 million visitors. Recent data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) shows an 8.9% increase in tourism revenues in February 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching JD389.7 million. Overall, January-February tourism revenues grew by 4.5%, totaling JD782.6 million.

Economic Impact of Tourism
Tourism significantly impacts Jordan’s economy, contributing a remarkable 19.8% to the GDP. Over the past decade, this sector has consistently averaged around 20% of the nation’s GDP.

Countries that can visit Jordan Visa Free
Visitors from several countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Jordan, allowing them to explore its rich history and natural beauty without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Depending on their country of origin, these tourists can stay for a period ranging from one to three months, making it easier for them to plan longer stays and fully experience what Jordan has to offer.

• Israel (1 month)
• Lebanon (3 months)
• Saudi Arabia (3 months)
• United Arab Emirates (3 months)
• Turkey (3 months)
• Egypt (1 month)
• Qatar (3 months)
• Kuwait (3 months)
• Oman (3 months)
• Tunisia (3 months)
• Bahrain (3 months)

Key Airports in Jordan

Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA):
Located 30 kilometers south of Amman, Queen Alia International Airport is Jordan’s largest airport and a vital hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines and Jordan Aviation. In 2023, QAIA welcomed 9,201,269 passengers, a 17.4% increase from 2022. The airport also managed 77,696 aircraft movements and 67,366 tons of cargo, showing increases of 13.7% and 9.9%, respectively.

Amman Civil Airport:
Amman Civil Airport serves as a secondary airport in Jordan, primarily handling domestic and regional flights.

King Hussein International Airport:
Located in Aqaba, this airport supports the tourism and economic activities of the region, serving both domestic and international flights.

Airline Industry in Jordan

Royal Jordanian Airlines:
As Jordan’s flag carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines operates from Queen Alia International Airport. In 2023, the airline saw a 20% increase in operating revenues, reaching JD733.3 million, up from JD612.8 million in 2022. The airline transported 3.6 million passengers, an 18% rise from the previous year, with significant growth in the US, Europe, and the Levant. This led to an increased seat load factor of 77.9%.

Hospitality Industry in Jordan

Projected Growth in Hotels Market
Jordan’s hotel industry is forecasted to achieve a revenue of US$107.60 million by 2024. This market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.21% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a projected market volume of US$126.90 million by 2028. The number of users in the Hotels market is anticipated to reach 1.18 million by 2028, with 89% of total revenue expected to be generated through online sales.

Top ten hotels in Jordan known for their exceptional service and amenities:

• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: Luxury resort offering breathtaking views of the Dead Sea, with spacious rooms, exceptional dining, and a renowned spa.
• Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum: Unique desert camp with dome-shaped rooms perfect for stargazing and sunrise views, known for its excellent hospitality and local cuisine.
• Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea: Renowned for its beautiful views, extensive pools, and exceptional service, with easy access to the Dead Sea.
• Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Offers luxurious accommodations, multiple pools, and private beach access, ideal for families and couples alike.
• Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp: Provides an authentic desert experience with luxurious tents, jeep tours, and stunning night sky views.
• Al Manara, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba: Features elegant rooms, excellent service, and beautiful beachfront views in Aqaba.
• InterContinental Aqaba: Known for its luxurious amenities, private beach, and close proximity to Aqaba’s attractions.
• Fairmont Amman: A top choice in the capital, offering modern luxury, exceptional dining, and a prime location.
• Amman Rotana: Features contemporary design, high-end amenities, and panoramic city views.
• Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort: Offers modern luxury, beautiful views, and extensive facilities, including a golf course and marina.

Infrastructure Development

Tourism Sector: Jordan is promoting a wide range of tourism experiences, from historical and cultural tours to eco-tourism and adventure tourism. The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) is actively marketing the country’s attractions through campaigns targeting Europe and Asia. Local tourism programs are being developed to showcase authentic experiences managed by local communities, including initiatives led by women. Additionally, the JTB is enhancing religious tourism with specialized packages like the “Umra Plus” initiative, aimed at Muslim tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Expansion of Queen Alia International Airport
In response to the increasing passenger traffic, the Airport International Group (AIG) undertook the construction of a new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport. This expansion aimed to enhance the airport’s capacity from 3.5 million to 7.5 million passengers annually and to offer a unique travel experience, positioning QAIA as a niche transit hub in the region. AIG invested approximately $750 million USD in this new terminal, significantly boosting the airport’s infrastructure and capacity.

Airline Sector: Jordan has formed partnerships with multiple budget European airlines, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and WizzAir. These agreements aim to increase the number of flights to key Jordanian cities such as Amman and Aqaba, thereby improving accessibility and drawing more international tourists. Additionally, collaborations with major airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates are underway to penetrate new markets in Asia.

Hospitality Sector: The focus in the hospitality sector is on expanding and upgrading hotel infrastructure. Jordan is working to attract international hotel chains and encourage investments in luxury accommodations and environmentally friendly lodges. The government is also addressing the shortage of skilled workers by partnering with universities and tourism entities to provide training programs and build sector-specific capacity.

Here are the top five tourist spots in Jordan with brief details about each:

• Petra: Known as the “Rose City” for its stunning pink sandstone cliffs, Petra is an ancient city carved into rock over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Between January and April, over 430,000 visitors explored Petra’s iconic pink sandstone cliffs. The Nabatean city remains the centerpiece of Jordan’s tourism.
• Wadi Rum: This desert landscape, also known as the Valley of the Moon, offers breathtaking red sand dunes and towering rock formations. It is famous for its stunning natural beauty and has been the backdrop for numerous films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Martian.” Wadi Rum welcomed 18,359 visitors in the first two months of the year, predominantly non-Arabs. January saw 6,814 visitors, rising to 11,545 in February, with non-Arab tourists making up the majority at 14,200. Arab visitors were only 1% of the total, while Jordanian visitors constituted 22% with 3,972 visitors.
• Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is known for its extremely salty water, which allows people to float effortlessly. It is also renowned for its therapeutic properties and mineral-rich mud, attracting visitors seeking health and wellness treatments.
• Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, Jerash features impressive ruins including temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. The city’s annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts showcases its rich cultural heritage.
• Aqaba: Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba is located on the Red Sea and is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and water sports such as diving and snorkeling. The city also offers historical sites and a vibrant market.

Here are some of the top things to do in Jordan:

• Explore Petra: Discover the ancient city carved into rose-red rock, including the iconic Treasury and Monastery.
• Float in the Dead Sea: Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in the extremely salty waters.
• Adventure in Wadi Rum: Enjoy jeep tours, camel rides, and stargazing in this stunning desert landscape.
• Visit Jerash: Explore the well-preserved Roman ruins, including temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets.
• Relax in Aqaba: Enjoy beach activities, snorkeling, and diving in the Red Sea.
• Tour Amman: Visit the Citadel, Roman Theater, and vibrant markets in Jordan’s capital city.
• Discover the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ: Visit the historic site on the Jordan River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hike in Dana Biosphere Reserve: Trek through diverse landscapes and encounter local wildlife.
• See the Crusader Castles: Explore historic castles like Kerak and Shobak.
• Experience the Desert Castles: Visit the unique desert castles east of Amman, including Qasr Amra and Qasr Kharana.

Jordan whispers adventure beyond the iconic Petra. Stargazing enthusiasts can lose themselves in the inky blackness of Wadi Rum’s desert skies, one of the world’s darkest night reserves. Thrill-seekers can navigate sandstone canyons in 4x4s, unearthing hidden Bedouin camps and sipping fragrant Bedouin tea under a canopy of stars. Jordan offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, waiting to be discovered.