AMMAN — Jordan’s tourism revenues reached nearly JD2.47 billion in the first half of 2026, while the number of incoming visitors stood at 3.15 million, according to a report on the second Executive Programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision (2026-2029).

 

Visits to archaeological and tourist sites nationwide reached 1.31 million during the same period, while 137 events were listed on the official Calendar.jo platform.

 

Figures covering the period through the end of May showed that Wadi Rum received 134,000 visitors, Petra 236,000 and Aqaba recorded 298,000 overnight stays, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

During the first six months of the year, authorities identified target markets for tourism support and signed an agreement with national carrier Royal Jordanian to operate more than 60 air routes.

 

In religious tourism, authorities finalised the mapping and documentation of the Christian Pilgrimage Trail and adjacent land plots ahead of planned infrastructure upgrades. Initial works also began at the Battle of Mu’tah memorial site in Al Mazar Al Janoubi.

 

In the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, Jordan hosted the International Congress and Convention Association Middle East Summit (ICCA 2026) at the Dead Sea, bringing together industry leaders from more than 11 countries.

 

The Kingdom also co-hosted the MENA Travel Market 2026, which attracted more than 2,500 tourism specialists from 22 countries.

 

In leisure tourism, a contract was awarded for the design, manufacture and supply of the Amman cable car system, with initial design work currently underway.

 

In adventure tourism, a 250-kilometre section of the 670-kilometre Jordan Trail was surveyed and mapped according to international standards as part of efforts to secure its official recognition as a national tourist trail.

 

The domestic tourism initiative “Urdunna Jannah” attracted nearly 118,000 participants across 3,800 trips during the first half of the year, benefiting 322 local establishments, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and transport providers.

 

An international promotional campaign linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated more than 893 million digital impressions across key target markets, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada and Mexico.

 

Calendar.jo also added 50 events spanning entertainment, arts, gastronomy, family activities, festivals, outdoor sports and conferences.

 

On the international front, a twinning agreement was signed between Petra and the Great Wall of China.

 

Regarding tourism site development, infrastructure works began at the Jerash archaeological site to upgrade bus and car parks while incorporating accessibility standards for persons with disabilities and public safety measures. Finishing works at the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village reached 60 per cent.

 

In Maan governorate, restoration works began at the historic Maan Heritage Market (Souk Al Bado), while infrastructure, public lighting and urban landscaping improvements began in downtown Salt.

 

In Karak, preliminary designs for the regeneration of the city centre were approved, with detailed designs underway alongside a draft management plan for Karak Castle.

 

Electromechanical installations and external landscaping at the Royal Aviation Museum project in Aqaba reached 80 per cent completion.

 

In Ajloun, Phase I infrastructure works at Ajloun National Park reached 62 per cent completion, while construction of the Ajloun Visitors Centre stood at 10 per cent.

 

At the Dead Sea, the government opened a new Corniche, tourist beach and upgraded promenade facilities, including Car Parks A and B. The facilities feature an eight-kilometre cycling track and 20 kiosks allocated to members of the local community.

 

Regarding major investments, a feasibility study tender was awarded for the 575-dunum Amra Entertainment City.

 

Final designs were also approved for the 16,000-square-metre exhibition area and 12,000-square-metre conference zone of the Amra Exhibition and Convention Centre. The estimated JD50 million facility will have a capacity of up to 15,000 visitors.

 

On human capital development, consultations were finalised to establish 2026 training programmes for job seekers, tourism workers and local service providers, alongside specialised curricula for heritage conservation and restoration personnel.

 

In Petra, awareness sessions reached 26 schools, while 327 young women received technical, craft and digital skills training through the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA).

 

To enforce quality standards, 24 field inspection tours were conducted at 50 certified five-star and five-star deluxe hotels.

 

Environmental sustainability measures were also expanded, with water-saving fixtures installed at 46 sites and 88 waste-sorting units distributed across the Kingdom’s governorate