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Amman – Jordan's tourism sector is off to a strong start in 2025, with revenue surging by 22.8% in January to $680.5 million, compared to $554.2 million in the same month last year, according to data released by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) on Wednesday.
This growth was fueled by a significant increase in visitor spending, particularly from Jordanian expatriates (+22.7%), non-Jordanian Arab tourists (+20.2%), and international travelers (+30.7%). Iconic destinations such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman continue to attract tourists, boosting the Kingdom’s overall tourism revenue.
At the same time, spending on outbound tourism also saw a sharp rise, jumping 29.4% to $184.9 million in January 2025, up from $142.9 million in January 2024.
Despite this promising start to 2025, Jordan’s tourism sector faced challenges last year. Total tourism revenue for 2024 reached JD7.239 billion, marking a 2.3% decline from 2023. The CBJ attributed this drop to a 3.9% decrease in the number of tourists, particularly from European and American markets.
While tourism revenue from Jordanian expatriates (+7.7%) and non-Jordanian Arabs (+12%) saw an uptick in 2024, visitor spending from Europe (-54%), the US (-35.2%), and other nationalities (-15.3%) fell significantly.
The downturn in 2024 was largely influenced by the ongoing war on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. According to a June 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, the conflict led to widespread cancellations from tourists in advanced economies, who typically contribute to one-third of Jordan’s tourism revenue.
However, the rebound in early 2025 signals renewed confidence in Jordan’s tourism sector. With its world-renowned attractions like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, and the vibrant capital Amman, Jordan remains a top destination for travelers seeking rich history, adventure, and cultural experiences.