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-Low-cost airlines, digital strategy fuel economic returns from tourism
- Jordan expands tourism footprint with new routes from EU, Asia
AMMAN — Jordan’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery, with over 571,000 visitors recorded in May 2025, a 27 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).
Speaking during the Government Communication Forum, JTB Director General Abdel Razzak Arabiyat highlighted the sector’s growing momentum, describing the board as “a revenue-generating centre through attracting tourists and the foreign currency they bring into the country”.
Arabiyat attributed the growth to several key factors, including the resumption of regular, charter and low-cost flights to Jordan, in addition to intensified government promotional campaigns targeting international tourism markets.
“The return of direct and low-cost air routes has significantly facilitated tourist access to Jordanian destinations, positively impacting the sector’s performance in recent months,” Arabiyat said.
He noted that international visitor numbers from January to May 2025 reached around 2.696 million, marking a 20.6 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024.
"The number of visitors to Petra in April 2025 rose sharply to 59,000, compared with 38,000 in April 2024, reflecting a clear sign of recovery in tourism activity," he said.
Arabiyat also noted that low-cost carriers now operate 20 routes to Amman, with Ryanair resuming flights on 14 routes from 10 European countries since April 1, offering 27 flights per week. "Wizz Air has also resumed six routes, offering 20 weekly flights to Amman," he said, adding, “Between January and May 2025, 578 low-cost flights brought around 102,000 passengers to Jordan.”
He also highlighted promising developments for the upcoming winter season, with talks underway with Ryanair and Wizz Air to operate new routes to Aqaba.
"Transavia is scheduled to resume flights from Amsterdam to Amman in November 2025, with two weekly flights, while Spain’s Vueling would resume its Barcelona-Amman route in April 2026. Swiss carrier Edelweiss is also set to resume flights from Zurich to both Amman and Aqaba in March 2026."
Arabiyat also said agreements have been signed for twice-weekly flights from Bulgaria to Aqaba starting in October through December, in addition to flights from the Czech Republic and Poland from September until the end of the year, and flights from France between September and November.
He also stressed that JTB is preparing to launch a new initiative titled "Travel Jordanian", featuring 220 curated experiences by local communities as part of its broader tourism strategy. "The programme aims to promote authentic Jordanian products and attractions while boosting tourism across governorates."
Arabiyat also announced a major wedding planners’ summit to be held in Aqaba at the end of the year, supported by JTB and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, expected to host 500 international companies.
"JTB continues to modernise its marketing strategy, incorporating digital tools and artificial intelligence, while actively participating in international tourism expos and conferences. This includes close cooperation with Royal Jordanian Airlines, and an expanded focus on American, European, Asian, and African markets."
Arabiyat also highlighted Jordan's strong presence at Expo Osaka 2025, which drew large crowds and showcased Jordanian heritage and creativity. "As part of a broader outreach campaign, JTB will organise a mobile tourism exhibition in Osaka and Tokyo in partnership with Jordanian travel agencies, aiming to connect with Japanese counterparts," he said.
Ministry of Government Communications Secretary General Zaid Nawaiseh commended JTB’s initiatives, noting that the board provides extensive facilitation services that enhance Jordan’s appeal as a unique and diverse destination regionally and globally. He also highlighted JTB’s role in promoting interactive digital tourism platforms, enabling visitors to easily explore Jordan’s landmarks.
Nawaiseh also underscored the success of Jordan’s pavilion at Expo Osaka, which showcased the Kingdom’s tourism, cultural, and historical identity, and is expected to further boost tourism inflows.