Amman – Jordan’s tourism industry is showing impressive signs of recovery, with revenue surging 22.8% in January 2025, reaching $680.5 million, compared to $554.2 million in January 2024. The latest data, released by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) on Wednesday, highlights a growing influx of visitors to some of the Kingdom’s most famous destinations, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman .
The positive momentum was largely driven by a notable rise in tourist spending, particularly among Jordanian expatriates (+22.7%), non-Jordanian Arab travelers (+20.2%), and international visitors (+30.7%). These figures reflect Jordan’s enduring appeal as a global tourism hotspot, offering a blend of rich history, adventure, and cultural experiences.
Meanwhile, spending on outbound tourism also saw a sharp increase, rising 29.4% to $184.9 million in January 2025, compared to $142.9 million during the same period in 2024.
Tourism Trends in 2024: Challenges and Resilience
Despite the strong start in 2025, Jordan’s tourism industry faced a slight downturn in 2024, with total tourism revenue reaching JD7.239 billion, a 2.3% decline from the previous year. The CBJ attributed this drop to a 3.9% decrease in total tourist arrivals, with notable declines from key markets such as Europe and the United States.
However, not all segments experienced losses. Revenue from Jordanian expatriates (+7.7%) and non-Jordanian Arab tourists (+12%) showed growth, demonstrating regional confidence in Jordan as a travel destination. In contrast, spending from European visitors (-54%), American tourists (-35.2%), and travelers from other regions (-15.3%) declined significantly.
Regional Impact on Tourism Performance
The tourism sector's 2024 slowdown was largely attributed to the ongoing war on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. According to a June 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the conflict led to widespread cancellations from travelers in advanced economies, who typically account for one-third of Jordan’s total tourism revenue.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Jordan’s Tourism
Despite recent challenges, the early 2025 rebound signals renewed confidence in Jordan’s tourism industry. With its iconic landmarks like Petra, the stunning Wadi Rum desert, the Dead Sea, and the vibrant capital of Amman, Jordan remains a top travel destination for tourists seeking history, nature, and authentic cultural experiences.
As global travel continues to recover, Jordan is well-positioned to attract more visitors, strengthening its tourism sector and reinforcing its status as a leading destination in the region.
