Tourism revenues exceed Economic Modernisation Vision's targets
According to the 2024 Annual Tourism Report, the number of international visitors to the Kingdom in 2024 has exceeded the target set in the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), reaching around 6.108 million, 13.8 per cent over the projected figure of 5.367 million visitors (JT file photo)
AMMAN — The number of international visitors to the Kingdom in 2024 has exceeded the target set in the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) for the same year by 13.8 per cent, reaching approximately 6.108 million visitors.
This surpasses the projected figure of 5.367 million visitors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
According to the 2024 Annual Tourism Report, cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, tourism revenues for 2024 also exceeded the targets set in the EMV by 2.9 per cent, amounting to JD5.132 billion, compared to the projected JD4.989 billion.
The report highlighted that the Ministry of Tourism will prioritize several key areas in 2025 as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the sector and improve resilience in the face of challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aggression on Gaza.
As outlined in the report, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will work towards fulfilling its commitments under the EMV by monitoring the government's tourism priorities, each consisting of specific activities with set timelines.
The Ministry will also track the progress of these activities on a monthly basis and submit reports to the Government Performance and Achievement Follow-up Unit at the Prime Ministry.
The Ministry will also concentrate its efforts on ensuring that key performance indicators outlined in the EMV are met.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Jordanian Tourism Under King Abdullah II: Comprehensive Renaissance and Sustainable Growth - Jordan News
Jordanian Tourism Under King Abdullah II: Comprehensive Renaissance and Sustainable Growth Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan's tourism sector has witnessed a qualitative transformation and comprehensive development, becoming one of the main pillars of the national economy. The Kingdom adopted an ambitious development strategy focused on diversifying tourism products, improving infrastructure, and enhancing investment in its unique archaeological and natural sites. اضافة اعلان Thanks to the direct attention of His Majesty, tourism has become an effective tool for promoting Jordan's positive global image and attracting tourists from all over the world. This has contributed to job creation, revitalized local communities, and preserved Jordan's cultural and historical heritage. The progress achieved in this sector in recent years clearly reflects the King's enlightened vision that views tourism not just as an economy, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and sustainable development. Since assuming his constitutional powers, His Majesty has worked to transform Jordan into a model for comprehensive and sustainable development in the region, with sustainable tourism being a cornerstone of this vision. Recognizing its economic importance and role in reducing unemployment and raising social welfare, the King has consistently directed successive governments to provide all necessary facilities to advance the tourism industry and make it innovative, attractive, and reflective of Jordan's rich historical, environmental, and cultural assets. In line with these royal directives, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has aligned its recent plans with the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2033), prioritizing tourism under the "Jordan as a Global Destination" track. The Ministry is working to achieve this vision by creating 99,000 jobs in the tourism sector, stimulating investment, and increasing tourism revenues. Regarding the targets of the Economic Modernization Vision, tourism revenues have already achieved 100.6% of the set targets, while employment in the sector has reached 105.4% of the expected figures. The Ministry developed a national sectoral strategic plan (2021–2025) in collaboration with local stakeholders and updated it to align with the modernization vision. The tourism sector has seen remarkable growth under King Abdullah II's reign, surpassing annual targets. During the first five months of 2025 alone, the number of international visitors reached approximately 2.7 million, while tourism revenue in the first third of the year hit 1.721 billion Jordanian dinars, contributing 13.5% to the GDP. Tourism sector employment exceeds 57,000 full-time workers, including a notable increase in female employees, who now number 7,728. The total number of tourism establishments has surpassed 3,706, including 924 hotels, 1,316 restaurants, 883 tour operators, and 583 other facilities. Hotel rooms have also increased, especially in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum, with a nationwide total of over 36,000 rooms. Jordan's global recognition has grown, with five Jordanian sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage list under King Abdullah II: Umm ar-Rasas (2004), Wadi Rum (2011), the Baptism Site (2015), Salt (2021), and Umm al-Jimal (2024). An additional 13 sites are on the tentative list. Jordan has also registered five elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Bedouin culture in Petra and Wadi Rum (2008), the Samer dance (2018), Mansaf (2022), Arabic calligraphy (2021), and the Date Palm file (2022). In 2023, Umm Qais and Al-Sela village were selected among the world's best tourism villages by UNWTO, and Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007. The Baptism Site was recognized as a global Christian pilgrimage site, and five Christian pilgrimage locations were designated by the Vatican. Jordan was declared a regional hub for medical and wellness tourism in 2023. Madaba was named the Arab Tourism Capital in 2022, and Irbid the Arab Capital of Culture. Jordan also chaired the UNWTO's Regional Commission for the Middle East for two years. On the international front, Jordan signed 26 cooperation agreements, 13 MoUs, and 28 executive programs with various countries, and hosted the 49th session of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East on June 7, 2023. Jordan also led the "Tourism Eyes 2022" project with UNWTO to empower women, participated in the UNWTO Youth Summit in Italy, chaired the Arab Tourism Ministerial Council, and led the Middle East Regional Commission (2023–2025). Jordan also chaired the Arab League's Technical Committee for Tourism and joined UNWTO's Affiliate Membership Committee. In a step to support investment, the Kingdom published its tourism investment guide in cooperation with UNWTO in 2024. In digital transformation, the Ministry launched a tourism indicators dashboard, electronic tickets for heritage sites, the Jordan Pass platform, Urdunna Jannah platform, electronic licensing, and an integrated tourism statistics system. To develop the tourism product, 11 visitor centers were established across the Kingdom, including a center for exploration and adventure tourism in Shobak. Sites were also adapted for accessible tourism and many heritage sites were rehabilitated, such as Umm ar-Rasas, Umm al-Jimal, and Machaerus. The "Urdunna Jannah" domestic tourism program attracted 311,000 participants in 2024. From its relaunch on April 24, 2025, until May 20, about 35,000 more joined. Handicraft training centers were launched in several provinces, and Christian religious tourism was promoted locally and internationally. The Pope visited Jordan three times, recognizing five pilgrimage sites. Legislatively, the Tourism Law (1988) was amended three times, producing 15 bylaws and multiple directives. Laws on heritage and antiquities were also updated, generating several supporting legal instruments. The Department of Antiquities continued documenting and preserving Jordan's archaeological heritage, registering numerous sites with UNESCO and Islamic heritage lists, including Umm ar-Rasas, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, Salt, Ajloun Castle, Qasr Amra, and the Kharak School. Jordan contributed to drafting international heritage charters such as the 2017 Thessaloniki Charter for Byzantine Heritage. Databases like MEGA Jordan were created, mapping 15,000 archaeological sites. The department also launched a system to document museum artifacts and established a digital library. Museum infrastructure saw major improvements with new museums in Ajloun, the Dead Sea, Hallabat, Feynan, Umm al-Jimal, Tafilah, and the Jordan Museum. Conservation work covered 21 archaeological sites and restoration of 16 rare books. In 2023, the Regional Conservation Center (Nuweijis) was founded. Key archaeological discoveries included the world's oldest blood samples in Azraq, the oldest known loaf of bread (2018), ancient statues, and Roman baths. The Jordan Tourism Board implemented initiatives to enhance Jordan's global image, notably the "Kingdom of Time" tourism brand, promoting adventure and health tourism, and helping Jordan host global conferences. The Jordan Trail was also recognized as a premier adventure destination. The Board partnered with five low-cost carriers to expand air connectivity to 25 destinations across 17 countries and secured charter flights from nine countries. Direct flights now connect Jordan to 37 countries, 69 cities, and 78 airports. Digitally, the Board launched specialized websites to promote Jordan's diverse tourism offerings.
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Oil Prices Steady Ahead of U.S.-China Trade Talks - Jordan News
Oil prices held steady during trading on Monday, amid anticipation of upcoming trade talks between China and the United States. Brent crude futures remained unchanged at $66.40 per barrel, while U.S. crude futures also stabilized at $64.53 per barrel, according to CNBC. اضافة اعلان Three senior aides to Donald Trump are scheduled to meet with their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday in the first meeting of the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism. — (Petra)
Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Jazeera Airways First Direct Flight to Budapest Takes Off
Jazeera Airways today started its direct service between Kuwait and Budapest, Hungary. The twice-weekly flights mark the first-ever non-stop air connection between the two countries, opening up exciting opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, and H.E. András Szabó, Ambassador of Hungary to Kuwait, were onboard the inaugural flight, which featured a celebratory send-off for all passengers and included a unique souvenir boarding pass presented to the first passenger checked new route, welcomed by Budapest Airport and supported by Visit Hungary, offers travelers from Kuwait easy access to one of Europe's most charming capitals, rich in history, architecture, and thermal spas. Passengers can now book flights via the Jazeera Airways website, mobile app, or call center at 177. Jazeera Airways also offers a range of fare bundles, products and services as well as connections beyond Kuwait to destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
