Jordan Tourism Revenues Reach JD2.47 Billion in First Half of 2026

Amman, The Gulf Observer: Jordan’s tourism revenues reached nearly JD2.47 billion during the first half of 2026, while the number of incoming visitors stood at approximately 3.15 million, according to a report on the second Executive Programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision (2026–2029).

The report showed that visits to archaeological and tourist sites across the Kingdom reached 1.31 million during the period, while 137 events were listed on the official Calendar.jo platform.

Figures through the end of May indicated that Wadi Rum received around 134,000 visitors, while Petra welcomed 236,000. Aqaba recorded approximately 298,000 overnight stays.

During the first six months of the year, Jordan identified priority tourism markets and signed an agreement with national carrier Royal Jordanian to operate more than 60 air routes, supporting efforts to expand international connectivity and attract additional visitors.

In religious tourism, authorities completed the mapping and documentation of the Christian Pilgrimage Trail and adjacent land plots ahead of planned infrastructure improvements. Initial development works also commenced at the Battle of Mu’tah memorial site in Al Mazar Al Janoubi.

Jordan also strengthened its position in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector by hosting the International Congress and Convention Association Middle East Summit (ICCA 2026) at the Dead Sea, bringing together industry leaders from more than 11 countries.

The Kingdom also co-hosted the MENA Travel Market 2026, which attracted more than 2,500 tourism professionals from 22 countries.

In leisure tourism, a contract was awarded for the design, manufacture and supply of the Amman cable car system, with initial design work already underway.

Adventure tourism also advanced, with a 250-kilometre section of the 670-kilometre Jordan Trail surveyed and mapped according to international standards as part of efforts to secure its official recognition as a national tourist trail.

The domestic tourism initiative “Urdunna Jannah” attracted nearly 118,000 participants through 3,800 trips during the first half of the year, benefiting 322 local establishments, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and transport providers.

An international promotional campaign linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated more than 893 million digital impressions across key target markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada and Mexico. Calendar.jo also added 50 events covering entertainment, arts, gastronomy, family activities, festivals, outdoor sports and conferences.

On the international cooperation front, a twinning agreement was signed between Petra and the Great Wall of China, further strengthening cultural and tourism ties.

Infrastructure and Tourism Development

Major tourism infrastructure projects also progressed across the Kingdom. At the Jerash archaeological site, infrastructure works began to upgrade bus and car parks while incorporating accessibility standards for persons with disabilities and public safety measures. Finishing works at the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village reached 60 percent completion.

In Ma’an Governorate, restoration works commenced at the historic Ma’an Heritage Market, also known as Souk Al Bado. In downtown Salt, infrastructure, public lighting and urban landscaping improvements also got underway.

In Karak, preliminary designs for the regeneration of the city centre were approved, while detailed designs were launched alongside a draft management plan for Karak Castle.

At the Royal Aviation Museum project in Aqaba, electromechanical installations and external landscaping reached 80 percent completion.

In Ajloun, Phase I infrastructure works at Ajloun National Park reached 62 percent completion, while construction of the Ajloun Visitors Centre stood at 10 percent.

At the Dead Sea, the government opened a new Corniche, tourist beach and upgraded promenade facilities, including Car Parks A and B. The facilities include an eight-kilometre cycling track and 20 kiosks allocated to members of the local community.

Major Investments and Human Capital Development

The government also awarded a feasibility study tender for the 575-dunum Amra Entertainment City.

Final designs were approved for the 16,000-square-metre exhibition area and 12,000-square-metre conference zone of the Amra Exhibition and Convention Centre. The estimated JD50 million facility will have capacity for up to 15,000 visitors.

On human capital development, consultations were completed to establish 2026 training programmes for job seekers, tourism workers and local service providers. Specialised curricula were also prepared for personnel involved in heritage conservation and restoration.

In Petra, awareness sessions reached 26 schools, while 327 young women received technical, craft and digital skills training through the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority.

To strengthen quality standards, authorities conducted 24 field inspection tours covering 50 certified five-star and five-star deluxe hotels.

Environmental sustainability measures were also expanded, with water-saving fixtures installed at 46 sites and 88 waste-sorting units distributed across the Kingdom’s governorates.

The latest figures and development projects underscore Jordan’s efforts to strengthen tourism as a key pillar of economic modernisation, while expanding infrastructure, improving visitor services, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism across the country.