Home » Middle East » Jordan boosts tourism with visa-free entry policy to 11 countries including Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Gulf states
Saturday, June 29, 2024
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Jordan’s tourism industry is booming with visa-free entry to 11 countries, attracting visitors to Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, offering luxury and diverse travel experiences.
Jordan’s tourism sector is booming with the introduction of visa-free entry for nationals of 11 countries. Luxury hotels offer the finest accommodation with a seamless blend of comfort for both leisure and business travelers. In 2023, an inflow of 6.354 million international tourists was recorded.
Jordan’s tourism boom: Visa-free entry, cultural heritage and luxury hospitality
Visitors are drawn to iconic sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage. A cultural tourism push that highlights Jordan’s rich history and archaeological wonders attracts history buffs from around the world. Business travel thrives, supported by state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a comfortable business environment. Leisure tourism is enriched with diverse experiences, from adventure tours to relaxing spa retreats. Jordan’s emphasis on accessibility and diversity in travel experiences has solidified its position as a leading global destination.
The Editor-in-Chief of TTW said, “Tourism in Jordan is growing by leaps and bounds, and it’s amazing to see. Visa-free entry for citizens of 11 countries means more people can easily visit this beautiful country. When you think of Jordan, you think of iconic ruins like Petra and Wadi Rum, whose cultural heritage attracts visitors from all over the world. The country’s warm atmosphere makes it the perfect location for international conferences, and let’s not forget the amazing comfort of its luxury hotels, perfect for leisure and business travelers. Jordan has everything it takes to become a world-class tourist destination.”
Jordan’s tourism industry grows
This represents a 25.8% increase compared to 2022 and an 18.5% increase compared to 2019, representing a 22% increase. Tourist arrivals totaled 1,334,000 in the first quarter of 2024. Domestic tourism to Petra, Aqaba and Wadi Rum, driven by the Urdunna Jannah program, accounted for 35,000 of the 40,689 domestic tourists in the first quarter of 2024.
Rapidly increasing tourism revenue
Jordan’s tourism receipts are set to soar to an astounding $7.4 billion in 2023, registering a massive 27.4% increase, as reported by the Jordan Press Agency. This notable increase in receipts was driven by a massive 25.8% increase in tourist numbers, reaching a total of 6.353 million. According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), tourism receipts in February 2024 increased by 8.9% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching JD389.7 million. Overall, tourism receipts from January to February increased by 4.5% to a total of JD782.6 million.
Economic impact of tourism
Tourism has a major impact on Jordan’s economy, contributing an impressive 19.8% to GDP, and over the past decade the sector has consistently averaged around 20% of the country’s GDP.
Countries that can visit Jordan without a visa
Tourists from several countries can travel to Jordan visa-free, allowing them to explore the country’s rich history and natural beauty without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Depending on their country of origin, these tourists can stay for anywhere from one to three months, making it easy to plan a longer stay 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)
Major 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 major hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines and Jordanian Air. In 2023, Queen Alia International Airport welcomed 9,201,269 passengers, up 17.4% from 2022. The airport also managed 77,696 aircraft movements and 67,366 tons of cargo, representing increases of 13.7% and 9.9%, respectively.
Amman Civil Airport:
Amman Civil Airport serves as Jordan’s secondary airport and primarily handles domestic and regional flights.
King Hussein International Airport:
Located in Aqaba, the airport serves both domestic and international flights and supports tourism and economic activity in the region.
Jordan’s aviation industry
Royal Jordanian:
Royal Jordanian, the flag carrier of Jordan, operates from Queen Alia International Airport. In 2023, the airline’s operating revenue is expected to increase by 20% to JD733.3 million, up from JD612.8 million in 2022. The airline will carry 3.6 million passengers, up 18% from the previous year, with strong growth in the US, Europe and the Levant. This led to an increase in seat load factor to 77.9%.
Jordan’s Hospitality Industry
Hotel market growth forecast
Jordan’s hotel industry is projected to achieve revenue of USD 107.6 million by 2024. The market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 4.21% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market size of USD 126.9 million by 2028. The number of hotel market users is expected to reach 1.18 million by 2028, with 89% of total revenue expected to be generated from online sales.
Top 10 Hotels in Jordan Known for Their Excellent Services and Amenities:
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: A luxury resort with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea. Spacious rooms, great dining, and a renowned spa. Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum: A unique desert camp with domed rooms perfect for stargazing and sunrise viewing. Known for its excellent hospitality and local cuisine. Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea: Known for its beautiful views, expansive pools, great service, and convenient access to the Dead Sea. Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Perfect for families and couples with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and private beach access. Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp: Enjoy an authentic desert experience with luxury tents, jeep tours, and amazing night sky views. Al Manara A Luxury Collection Hotel Saraya Aqaba: Boasting elegant rooms, great service, and views of Aqaba’s beautiful beachfront. InterContinental Aqaba: Known for its luxury amenities, private beach, and proximity to Aqaba’s attractions. Fairmont Amman: The capital’s Aqaba Ayla Resort offers modern luxury, fine dining and a prime location. Amman Rotana: Featuring contemporary design, upscale amenities and panoramic city views. Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort: Offers modern luxury, beautiful views and extensive facilities, including a golf course and a marina.
Infrastructure Development
Tourism Sector: Jordan promotes a wide range of tourism experiences, from history and cultural tours to ecotourism and adventure tourism. The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) actively promotes the country’s attractions through campaigns targeting Europe and Asia. Local tourism programs have been developed to showcase authentic experiences managed by local communities, including women-led initiatives. In addition, JTB is strengthening religious tourism with special packages such as the “Umra Plus” initiative, which targets Muslim tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Queen Alia International Airport Expansion
To accommodate growing passenger traffic, Airports International Group (AIG) built a new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport. The expansion aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 3.5 million to 7.5 million, provide a unique travel experience, and position QAIA as a niche transit hub in the region. AIG invested approximately $750 million in the new terminal, significantly improving the airport’s infrastructure and capacity.
Aviation Sector: Jordan has partnerships with several European low-cost airlines, including EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. These agreements aim to increase the number of flights to Jordan’s major cities, such as Amman and Aqaba, and improve their accessibility to attract more international tourists. Additionally, partnerships are also underway with larger airlines, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, to reach new markets in Asia.
Hospitality Sector: In the hospitality sector, there is a focus on expanding and upgrading hotel infrastructure. Jordan is working to attract international hotel chains and encourage investment in luxury accommodation and eco-friendly lodges. The government is also addressing the skilled labor shortage by partnering with universities and tourism organizations to provide training programs and build sector-specific capacity.
Below are the top 5 tourist attractions in Jordan and a brief description of each.
Petra: Known as the “City of Roses” for its stunning pink sandstone cliffs, Petra is an ancient city carved into the rock by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Between January and April, over 430,000 tourists explored Petra’s iconic pink sandstone cliffs. This Nabataean city continues to be the center of tourism in Jordan. Wadi Rum: Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this desert landscape boasts breathtaking red sand dunes and towering rock formations. Renowned for its incredible natural beauty, it has been the setting for numerous films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Martian.” In the first two months of the year, Wadi Rum welcomed 18,359 tourists, most of whom were non-Arabs. In January, visitor numbers were 6,814, rising to 11,545 in February. Non-Arab tourists made up the majority of the total with 14,200 visitors. Arab tourists made up just 1% of the total, while Jordanian tourists made up 22% with 3,972 visitors. Dead Sea: The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is known for its extremely saline waters, allowing people to float with ease. It is also known 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, a theater and a colonnaded street. The city’s annual Jerash Culture and Arts Festival showcases its rich cultural heritage. Aqaba: Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba, is located on the Red Sea and is a popular destination for beautiful beaches, coral reefs and water sports such as diving and snorkeling. The city also has historical sites and lively markets.
Here are some of the best activities to do in Jordan.
Explore Petra: Explore the ancient city carved into the rose-colored rocks, including its iconic treasury and monasteries. Float in the Dead Sea: Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in the salty waters. Adventure in Wadi Rum: Enjoy a jeep tour, camel ride and stargazing in this stunning desert landscape. Visit Jerash: Explore well-preserved Roman ruins, including temples, theaters and colonnaded streets. Relax in Aqaba: Enjoy beach activities, snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea. Sightseeing in Amman: Visit the citadel, Roman theater and bustling markets in Jordan’s capital city. Discover the baptismal site of Jesus Christ: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Jordan River historic site. Hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve: Trek through a diverse landscape and encounter local wildlife. See Crusader Castles: Explore historic castles such as Kerak and Shobak. Experience Desert Castles: Unique desert castles such as Qasr Amra and Qasr Karana, located east of Amman.
Jordan whispers of adventure beyond the iconic Petra. Stargazing enthusiasts can lose themselves in the pitch black desert skies of Wadi Rum, one of the world’s darkest night reserves. Thrill seekers can 4WD through sandstone canyons, discover hidden Bedouin camps and sip aromatic Bedouin tea under the stars. Jordan is a unique blend of adventure, history and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
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