The progress report on the projects of the Executive Program for 2026–2029 under the Economic Modernization Vision drivers revealed a set of achievements and indicators in the tourism sector during the first half of this year. This comes within the framework of the "Jordan as a Global Destination" driver, which focuses on developing the tourism product, boosting the Kingdom’s competitiveness, diversifying tourism types, upgrading sites and facilities, stimulating investment, and empowering local communities.
اضافة اعلان
According to the executive program, Jordan welcomed approximately 3.15 million visitors during the first half of this year, while tourism revenue reached 2.47 billion JOD. Tourism sites registered around 1.31 million visits. Despite regional conditions, Jordan continued to enhance its tourism offerings by executing projects to upgrade tourism destinations and sites, and improving the readiness of facilities and staff to support the sector’s growth.
To streamline travel to and within Jordan, target destinations for support were identified, and an agreement was signed to support over 60 air routes with Royal Jordanian.
In developing products for different tourism niches, progress continued on religious tourism by completing the identification and documentation of the Christian Pilgrimage Route and mapping the land within it, ahead of completing its rehabilitation and sustainability works. Additionally, foundational work began on the Mu'tah Battlefield Site Project in Al-Mazar Al-Janubi.
Regarding meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, Jordan hosted the International Congress and Convention Association Middle East Chapter Conference (ICCA 2026) at the Dead Sea, with experts and sector representatives participating from more than 11 countries, strengthening Jordan's position on the business tourism map. Cooperation also led to convening the MENA Travel Market 2026 (MENA Tra- 2026), attended by over 2,500 specialists from 22 countries.
In leisure tourism, a contract was signed for the design, manufacturing, and supply of the Amman Cable Car system, and design work commenced for the system and station facilities to finalize the project's design.
As for adventure tourism, work progressed on mapping, marking, and documenting a 250 km stretch of the 670 km Jordan Trail using state-of-the-art global equipment and methodologies, aiming to officially designate and announce it as a recognized tourist trail.
In domestic tourism, nearly 118,000 participants took part in the "Urdun Jannah" program across approximately 3,800 trips. The program benefited 322 tourism establishments across various governorates, including restaurants, hotels, travel agencies, and transport companies.
In events and tourism promotion, a digital reach exceeding 893 million impressions was achieved through the international campaign promoting Jordan during the 2026 World Cup. The campaign targeted several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, and Mexico. Furthermore, around 50 diverse events were added to the calendar.jo platform across various categories, including entertainment, culture and arts, food and beverage, family and children, festivals, outings and sports, and conferences across the Kingdom.
In Petra, 69 tourism, cultural, and community events were organized and executed within the archaeological site—including concerts, photography events, camping, and "Petra by Night"—with 15,000 participants attending. International cooperation was also strengthened by signing a twinning agreement between Petra and the Great Wall of China.
Regarding the development, management, and preservation of tourism sites and facilities, rehabilitation work began on bus and car parks at the Jerash archaeological site to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities and fulfill public safety requirements. In Ma'an, work commenced to develop and rehabilitate the heritage market ("Souk Al-Badu"). In As-Salt, infrastructure, lighting, and urban elements in the city center are being upgraded.
In Al-Karak, initial studies and designs for developing Karak's city center were finalized and approved, with detailed designs currently underway. Work also began on drafting a management plan for the historical Karak Castle. For the Heritage Aviation Museum project in Aqaba, site development, earthen slope grading, retaining wall construction, and mechanical/electrical works in the hangar and buildings reached 80% completion.
To stimulate investment in the tourism sector, Phase 1 infrastructure works for Ajloun National Park reached 62% completion, while construction of the Ajloun Visitors Center began, reaching 10% completion. In Jerash, design and infrastructure works for the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village in activity zones progressed, with building finishing works reaching 60%.
At the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Corniche and Tourism Beach were opened. The development of the Dead Sea Walkway and Parking Lots (A&B) was executed, featuring the distribution of 20 kiosks to local community members and the construction of an 8 km bicycle lane in the Dead Sea area.
Under the project to establish an amusement park within the Amra City initiative, a tender was awarded for a feasibility study. The amusement park will span 575 dunams, serving as an attraction for domestic and international tourism alongside commercial and service zones.
For the Amra Exhibition and Convention Center project, final designs were approved. Spanning 16,000 square meters for exhibitions and 12,000 square meters for conventions—with a total capacity of up to 15,000 people and an estimated cost of 50 million JOD—the facility will serve as an integrated venue for local and international events.
Regarding workforce skills training and community empowerment, consultative sessions with partner entities were completed. Required training skills and programs were defined for job seekers, sector employees, service providers, and local experience providers from local communities for the current year. Training programs and instructors were also prepared for archaeological maintenance and restoration.
Awareness lectures were conducted in 26 schools across the Petra District to raise students' archaeological awareness, foster understanding of site preservation, and build social responsibility toward cultural heritage. Additionally, 327 young women from the local community were trained by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority through specialized technical, craft, and digital programs.
To establish world-class standards for the tourism sector, 24 field awareness tours were conducted to raise hotel establishment awareness regarding classification standards. Consequently, 50 hotel establishments achieved 5-star or 5-star deluxe ratings and earned international certifications.
Water-saving techniques were also applied in sanitary facilities across 46 tourism sites, and 88 waste sorting bins were supplied to tourist locations across various governorates to promote environmental sustainability practices.
Petra
