Jordan's tourism sector rebounds, JD1.2B in Q1 revenues
Ammon News -
Jordan's tourism sector has posted strong first-quarter results in 2025, drawing 1.508 million international visitors and generating JD 1.217 billion in tourism revenues during January and February alone, according to the Q1 2025 Executive Program Report for the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2025).Under the strategic pillar "Jordan as a Global Destination", the report outlines robust progress in air connectivity, product development, regulatory modernization, and investment facilitation positioning tourism as a high-impact growth engine.Air Connectivity and Market AccessTo strengthen inbound traffic from key source markets, Jordan has expanded its low-cost airline network to 25 direct routes in 2025. For the summer season, 20 direct routes will operate to Amman. In winter, five routes will serve Aqaba and six will serve Amman. These developments are projected to bring in approximately 270,000 travelers throughout the year.Policy and Regulatory AdvancementsThe government has introduced a series of updated regulations to enhance the tourism business environment, including new instructions for electronic ticketing at museums and archaeological sites, and amendments to the unified ticketing system.Draft legislation has been submitted for approval covering hotel licensing, tourism offices, restaurant operations, and sectoral associations. A proposed framework for the Tourism Development Fund has also been advanced.To consolidate strategic oversight, the National Tourism Council has been established, tasked with shaping policies, drafting legislation, and guiding sector development.Tourism Product Development and ExperiencesJordan has phased out paper tickets at heritage sites and museums, replacing them with digital solutions to streamline access and data collection.Adventure tourism continues to gain traction, with the completion of the first phase of the Heritage Village Trail in Tafileh, and progress on linking the Ainoun trail in Karak to the Lowest Point on Earth Museum in the southern Jordan Valley.New adventure routes in the Shoubak region are also under planning.In religious tourism, updates to the Christian pilgrimage route from Mount Nebo to Ain Salem are underway, with requalification efforts coordinated across stakeholders.Investment Projects and InfrastructureThe report notes several key investment milestones: land acquisition has been approved near the Battle of Mu'tah memorial site in Al-Mazar Al-Janoubi; final designs have been adopted for the Yarmouk Forest Reserve ecolodge, with interior and exterior works nearly complete.Phase one of the South Beach development project has been finalized, with phase two in progress. Structural foundations for the Aviation Heritage Museum are complete, with 60% of external works finished and electromechanical installations now underway.Workforce Development and Community EmpowermentIn alignment with the Tourism Skills Council roadmap and the sector's training strategy, 36 specialized training programs have been designed for 2025. These span both skill-specific and continuous professional development levels. Stakeholder consultations were held to identify priority skills and employment pathways.Global Marketing and PartnershipsTargeted tourism marketing campaigns have been launched in Gulf, European, and Chinese markets, using digital platforms such as Google, eDreams, and Skyscanner. Jordan has also participated in international tourism fairs in India and Russia, and hosted media and influencer delegations from Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, the Vatican, Russia, and Brazil.A major promotional milestone includes a documentary co-produced with one of Asia's largest broadcasters, featuring prominent Korean celebrities and showcasing Jordanian sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Ma'in Hot Springs, and Wadi Mujib.The Kingdom also concluded the "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" exhibition at the Vatican under Royal Patronage. Following its strong reception, a global tour of the exhibition is being launched to further elevate Jordan's status as a premier destination for faith-based and intercultural tourism.Petra
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