The Roman Theater Hosts Artistic Events During Eid al-Adha - Jordan News
In addition to the Amman events, a series of artistic and cultural evenings and concerts were also held on Saturday in Umm al-Jimal in Mafraq Governorate and at Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Cultural Center in Ma'an. On Sunday, more events will be held at the Karak Castle Plaza, Al-Matl Plaza in the village of Umm Qais in Irbid Governorate, and in the plaza of Aqaba bin Nafi' in the city of Salt.
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Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Marathon Des Sables confirms Jordan as the 2025 venue for the fifth year in a row
In a major announcement for Jordan's tourism sector, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, and CEO of the Global Marathon Des Sables (MDS), Cyrilie Gauthier, held a press conference in Amman to officially launch the fifth international edition of the Marathon des Sables, scheduled to take place in Wadi Rum from November 1 to 8, desert ultramarathon, organized by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and Experience Jordan Adventures, is one of the world's most challenging endurance races, that brings together about 650 runners from across the European Union and beyond. The growth of this global event in Jordan has been a testament to the country's ideal setting and this year the event is expected to be the largest Annab said, 'Hosting the Marathon des Sables in Jordan for the fifth year in a row firmly cements our country's position as a premium adventure travel destination. Over the past decade, Jordan has made significant strides in shaping its adventure tourism landscape, investing in trails, infrastructure, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with our nature, culture, and heritage. From the world-renowned Jordan Trail, which spans more than 650 kilometers through diverse terrains and communities, to this iconic race set against the magnificent backdrop of Wadi Rum, Jordan continues to spotlight the richness and variety of its outdoor offerings.'Minister Annab concluded by extending her 'gratitude to the organizers of the Marathon des Sables, and to all the extraordinary runners joining us from around the world. We look forward to welcoming them this November and wish each participant the very best of luck on this extraordinary journey.'The CEO of MDS stated, "MDS Jordan has become the crown jewel of our global series. Its extraordinary landscapes, unmatched hospitality, and the emotional connection it creates with runners from around the world have set a new benchmark for what adventure racing can be. But this is only the beginning. We believe this is the right country to grow, innovate, and build a long-term vision where sport, culture, and tourism intersect in a powerful way. Jordan has all the ingredients to become a global hub for our endurance events, and we are proud to be part of that journey."Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, stated: "We at the Jordan Tourism Board are proud to support world-class events like the Marathon des Sables. This event not only highlights Jordan's stunning landscapes, but also reflects our ongoing efforts to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for adventure tourism. Through such events, we welcome responsible travelers who are seeking authentic connections with nature, culture, and history. Events like this help visitors discover the true spirit of Jordan and the richness that makes our country truly unique.'Commenting on the occasion, CEO of Experience Jordan Adventures, Ayman Abd-AlKareem, said, "As the official local partner, Experience Jordan Adventures is proud to continue hosting this iconic race, which brings together hundreds of international runners in a celebration of endurance, connection, and discovery." He stressed the team's commitment to sustainability and community partnership in Wadi Rum, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Tourism, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and the Jordan Tourism Board in strengthening Jordan's position as a leading adventure travel destination. As a host of the Marathon des Sables, Jordan marks a milestone in its emergence as a leading destination for international sporting and adventure tourism. More than just a race, it offers a transformative experience that blends endurance, culture, and exploration against the breathtaking backdrop of Wadi Rum's desert landscapes. As global interest in adventure travel continues to rise, MDS Jordan positions the country at the forefront of this growing sector, attracting high-value international visitors and supporting the national tourism strategy by showcasing Jordan's natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality on the world stage.
Jordan News
29-07-2025
- Jordan News
6% Decline in Number of Jordanians Traveling Abroad for Tourism - Jordan News
Tourism experts have emphasized the importance of supporting domestic tourism amid a decline in the number of Jordanians traveling abroad for tourism. According to preliminary official data published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and based on Central Bank figures, the number of Jordanians who traveled abroad during the first half of this year reached 806,970, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Experts stressed the need to provide suitable tourism infrastructure to encourage locals to explore domestic destinations. They also recommended expanding the 'Our Jordan is Paradise' program ('Urdunna Jannah') to include more destinations with a variety of affordable hotel options, along with promotional offers tailored for local tourists. According to the data: In 2023, the number of Jordanians traveling abroad during the first half of the year totaled 856,776, with monthly breakdowns as follows: January: 136,538 February: 132,495 March: 116,756 April: 125,535 May: 118,152 June: 227,300 In 2024, the number totaled 806,970, with monthly figures as: January: 159,085 February: 129,749 March: 126,032 April: 113,692 May: 118,957 June: 159,455 Causes of Decline Experts agree that the reduction in low-cost flight options to and from Jordan amid regional tensions has contributed significantly to the drop in Jordanian travelers. Additionally, rising travel costs to popular destinations like Turkey have made foreign tourism less attractive. Industry Insights Mohammad Al-Qassem, a member of the Jordan Hotels Association and tourism expert, confirmed that reduced low-cost flight frequencies and geopolitical developments, along with rising travel costs, have led to a drop in outbound tourism. He noted that a 5.8% decrease may not be dramatic, but it's an indicator that domestic tourism needs more support. Al-Qassem stressed that travel is important for exposure to new cultures and experiences, and shouldn't be heavily restricted, but encouraged alongside local tourism growth. He also pointed out that economic challenges and declining income have made it difficult for many to afford travel. Al-Qassem emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure in northern Jordan, and offering low-cost hotels to attract tourists, especially during summer, as alternatives to warmer destinations like the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Northern sites such as Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais, and Jerash offer attractive options. He also proposed comprehensive tour programs that include interaction with local communities, traditional meals, and cultural experiences, which would also boost the local economy. Al-Qassem called for an expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program, suggesting it should include more destinations and operate throughout the week, not just on weekends. He concluded that a successful tourism sector requires strong infrastructure, a complete tourism product, and public-private partnerships to manage and improve tourist sites without compromising heritage. Geopolitical Impact Nidal Malu Al-Ain, another tourism expert, said the decline in travel is mainly due to the halt of low-cost flights, which were heavily used for trips to Europe. He also cited economic constraints, income decline, and regional geopolitical instability as key factors. Al-Ain believes that many Jordanians are interested in domestic tourism and prefer spending their vacation days in Jordan—provided that affordable tourism facilities are available. He emphasized the need to establish a model of 'popular tourism' with comprehensive and budget-friendly services, especially for middle-income groups. He urged expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program or launching a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic travel through promotional packages. Al-Ain also suggested supporting existing tourism facilities by reducing operational costs (e.g., energy bills) and offering deferred financial obligations to tourism businesses. He proposed that hotels offer promotions like free nights with bookings. 'Urdunna Jannah' Program Mahmoud Al-Khasawneh, another tourism specialist, said that regional instability is a major reason for the drop in outbound tourism. He emphasized that domestic tourism must be improved to reduce the number of Jordanians traveling abroad. He noted that while the government-run 'Urdunna Jannah' program plays an important role, a private-sector-driven counterpart should also be developed to offer exclusive packages, especially for Jordanian expatriates returning during the summer. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the program recorded 79,017 participants between April and July 2025. The program was temporarily suspended in December 2024, and resumed in April 2025. Participation figures since resumption are: April: 5,193 participants May: 36,991 participants June: 13,681 participants July (to date): 23,152 participants Previously, the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents stated that Turkey (Antalya, Trabzon, Istanbul) and Egypt (particularly Sharm El Sheikh) remain the top destinations for Jordanians traveling abroad.
Jordan News
24-07-2025
- Jordan News
QAIA Sees Record 4.4M Passengers H1 2025 - Jordan News
The Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) has reported its highest-ever first-half passenger traffic, welcoming 4.4 million passengers during the first six months of 2025, according to Airport International Group's latest operational report. اضافة اعلان The airport processed 4,406,690 passengers in H1 2025, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This milestone was driven by the restoration of regional and European routes and increased travel demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holidays. Aircraft movements totaled 36,331, marking a 2.2% year-over-year increase, while cargo volumes reached 32,086 tons, experiencing a 16.5% decline from the previous year. However, June 2025 presented challenges as regional tensions led to flight disruptions. The airport served 717,840 passengers in June, reflecting a 16.6% decrease compared to June 2024, with aircraft movements and cargo handling also declining by 19.6% and 27.5% respectively. QAIA demonstrated resilience through strategic airline partnerships and route expansion. flyadeal and Ajet returned to QAIA's network, while Royal Jordanian expanded its global reach with new routes to Damascus, Aleppo, Mumbai, and Washington D.C. Additionally, Libyan Wings and SunExpress commenced operations at the airport. These additions strengthen QAIA's position as a regional aviation hub and enhance connectivity across key international markets. A significant environmental milestone was achieved with the April inauguration of the Shams al Mattar Lil-Taqa Solar Farm, operated by Shams al Mattar lil-Taqa (Kawar Investment). The 4.8 MWac facility generates over 10.5 GWh of electricity annually, meeting nearly 25% of Airport International Group's operational energy requirements while reducing CO? emissions by approximately 12,000 tons yearly. This initiative positions QAIA among the largest solar-powered airports in the Middle East and North Africa region. Infrastructure improvements continued with Menzies Aviation and Aviation Handling Services opening a second 8,000 square meter air cargo facility in January, effectively doubling QAIA's cargo handling capacity and creating additional employment opportunities. The airport also enhanced passenger processing capabilities through the June trial launch of nine smart e-gates, with five installed in Arrivals and four in Departures, designed to expedite travel procedures for Jordanian citizens and improve operational efficiency during peak periods. QAIA's commitment to passenger satisfaction earned international recognition when it was named the "Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East" for the second consecutive time, based on the ACI World 2024 ASQ Survey. The airport also successfully renewed its Level 3 ACI World Airport Customer Experience Accreditation in February, further validating its service excellence standards. Community engagement expanded through the Airport International Group Foundation's 'Hirfati' vocational training center, which registered a 20% increase in applications. Six specialized courses benefited 75 participants across sectors including Fashion Design and Tailoring, Programming and Software Development, Health and Occupational Safety, Mobile Phone Maintenance, HVAC, and Warehouse Management. The airport also established a strategic partnership with Extime JCDecaux Airport to deploy innovative and sustainable advertising solutions throughout the terminal. Nicolas Deviller, CEO of Airport International Group, reflected on the achievements: "The first half of 2025 emphasizes the enduring strength of QAIA as a vital national asset and a cornerstone of Jordan's air transport sector. In the face of regional adversity, we remained focused on growing our traffic and delivering impactful projects, innovative enhancements and passenger-centric services that uphold the highest international standards and shape QAIA into a welcoming airport that feels like home." Despite regional challenges affecting June performance, QAIA's strategic investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and passenger experience position the airport for continued growth throughout 2025. The foundations established during the first half of the year, including enhanced cargo capacity, renewable energy integration, and expanded airline partnerships, are expected to drive performance for the remainder of the year and beyond. Airport International Group operates Queen Alia International Airport under a public-private partnership with the Government of Jordan, serving as the kingdom's primary gateway for international air travel.
