– Faith-based travel generates significant tourism revenue in key markets – MENA countries are developing transport and cultural offerings to improve capacity – Religious events represent key drivers of arrivals to some regions – Technology can help improve connectivity and access to faith-based offerings With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings,…
Interview:Lina Annab How much emphasis is being placed on improving air connectivity and accessibility to Jordan? LINA ANNAB: Air connectivity is a key area we are focusing on given its impact on unlocking economic growth by attracting business investment and spurring tourism, two areas that are vital to Jordan’s economic prosperity. We are working to enhance air connectivity through special…
With sweeping desert landscapes alongside natural and man-made wonders, tourism is a key pillar of Jordan’s economy. Visitors flock to the country to see the fabled ancient city of Petra, take in important holy sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and bathe in the Dead Sea. While continued tension in the region has dented tourist numbers over the last few years, there are signs that this…
With sweeping desert landscapes alongside natural and man-made wonders, tourism is an important facet of Jordan’s economy. Visitors flock to the country to see the fabled ancient city of Petra, take in important holy sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and bathe in the Dead Sea. While continued tension in the region has dented tourist numbers over the last few years, there are signs that this…
The country has made progress in key areas, reducing its fiscal deficit from 10.3% of GDP in 2014, to 3.2% in 2016 and an estimated 2.5% in 2017. Real GDP growth has also seen improvement, rising from a 25-year low of 2% in 2016 to 2.2% the following year. Moving forward the focus is set to shift towards green and digital expansion in line with the country’s new mid-term economic agenda, the Jor
An overhaul of Jordan’s airport infrastructure, coupled with an increase in flights, could provide a welcome boost to the country’s tourism sector. The completion of a second phase of work at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) last September signaled a major step forward in ongoing efforts to expand passenger capacity. The project saw the introduction of 12 new gates, two duty-free stores…
Year-end tourism figures released by the Jordanian authorities suggest the sector is stabilising after a contraction across a number of indicators in 2015, with several government initiatives expected to facilitate further improvements this year. Visitor arrivals hit 6.4m in 2016, up 33.5% on the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA). This increase was partly…
Home to some of the world’s finest natural and manmade wonders, Jordan has a well-developed tourism industry that remains one of the most significant private sector pillars of its economy. The country has enjoyed decades of peace and political stability, but the conflicts and tensions afflicting neighbouring countries have impacted Jordan’s appeal as a holiday destination. Faced with falling visitor…
Home to some of the world’s finest natural and man-made wonders, Jordan has a well-developed tourism industry that remains one of the most significant private sector pillars of its economy. The country has enjoyed decades of peace and political stability, but the conflicts and tensions afflicting neighbouring countries have impacted Jordan’s appeal as a holiday destination. Faced with falling visitor…
The Jordanian tourism industry is beginning to reap rewards from measures introduced in 2015 aimed at winning back regular visitors, particularly from the Gulf, and attracting other, first-time tourists. Tourism has traditionally been a major contributor to the kingdom’s economy – accounting for around 13% of GDP – with Jordan’s abundant archaeological, religious and leisure offerings helping…