Jordan welcomes record 1.32 million...

Boost from Gulf travellers, especially Saudis, as numbers rise 15%

Jordan welcomed a record number of visitors from the GCC in 2024, with overnight guests hitting 1.32 million, up 15% on 2023.

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) said the numbers reflect Jordan's position as a “preferred destination” for Gulf travellers.

There was also an increase in average length of stay, especially during the summer months and holiday periods, with people visiting multiple locations.

"The growth in both visitor numbers and length of stay demonstrates that our diverse tourism offerings strongly resonate with GCC travellers, who increasingly view Jordan as their preferred destination for both short breaks and extended holidays," said Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board.

Of those 1.32 million visitors, 1.16 million came from Saudi, representing 88% of all GCC visitors. This is a 17% increase from the 985,904 Saudi visitors in 2023, with peak arrivals taking place in July and August.

JTB puts this summer surge down to the nation’s diverse landscapes and more moderate temperatures.

GCC travellers increasingly view Jordan as their preferred destination for both short breaks and extended holidays

Kuwait was the second-largest GCC source market with 72,784 visitors in 2024, Bahrain brought 34,309, Oman 22,716, UAE 18,378, and Qatar 16,081. Arrivals from the UAE were up 11%, and from Oman they rose 12% year on year.

Dr Arabiyat said there had been a fundamental shift in how GCC visitors experience Jordan, with many choosing to explore multiple destinations within the country and engage in a wider range of activities than ever before.

"This has been particularly evident in the growing interest in experiential tourism, from luxury desert camping to cultural immersion experiences."

The Dead Sea region was highlighted as a success story for 2024, with its luxury resorts and wellness offerings attracting high-value tourists.

UNESCO World Heritage site Petra continued to be a major draw, enhanced by new interpretive facilities and improved visitor services, making it more accessible and engaging for families. The introduction of evening experiences and cultural programmes has also helped extend visitor stays.

There's a growing interest in experiential tourism, from luxury desert camping to cultural immersion experiences

Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum's luxury desert camps recorded strong occupancy rates, while the historical sites of Ajloun and Jerash also saw increased interest from GCC visitors, according to JTB.

Jordan welcomed its seventh UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024, with Umm Al-Jimal joining the prestigious list, further enhancing the country’s rich cultural and historical appeal.

The recent expansion of flight routes and frequencies has made Jordan more accessible and visa-free access for GCC nationals, plus proximity to the region – around a three-hour flight from the UAE – have all been credited with providing this tourism boost.

Strong numbers from the GCC will be welcome news, with figures released by the Ministry of Tourism showing a 7% decrease in the number of overall tourists visiting Jordan during the first eight months of this year compared with the same period last year, primarily due to geopolitical tensions.

Looking ahead, the country is anticipating a stronger tourism recovery driven by regional stability, as well as new openings and initiatives.

Starting January 2025, Saudi’s first-ever homegrown cruise line, Aroya Cruises, began its four-day regional sailings, taking guests to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan, with opportunities to visit iconic sites like Petra.

Recently opened hotels include the 392-key Voco Abdali Amman, a rebrand of the existing Abdali Boulevard Hotel, and the Signia by Hilton Amman, which features a pool with bar, a spa and fitness centre and an entertainment centre where guests can go bowling.

Among other exciting developments, TravelJordanian.com is a new platform allowing travellers to explore local experiences and accommodations owned and operated by local communities, each offering a unique back story.

For more information, visitjordan.com

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