Jordan’s tourism sector revenue reached $680.5 million in January, reflecting a 22.8% annual increase, mainly driven by higher spending from expatriates and non-Arab visitors. However, overall tourism revenue for 2024 declined slightly due to the impact of geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, the country exceeded its visitor target, indicating potential for further growth.
The tourism sector in Jordan saw remarkable growth in January, with revenues hitting $680.5 million, reflecting a substantial 22.8 percent increase from the previous year. According to the Central Bank of Jordan, the rise can be attributed to an increase in spending by Jordanian expatriates by 22.7 percent, a 20.2 percent increase from non-Jordanian Arabs, and a striking 30.7 percent surge from visitors outside the Arab world.
To further bolster tourism, Jordan is implementing its National Tourism Strategy for 2021-2025, which aims to attract international visitors by showcasing its rich archaeological heritage, cultural background, and stunning natural landscapes. This upward trend in tourism is consistent with regional patterns, as neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also prioritizing tourism growth as part of their economic diversification efforts.
Despite the positive growth reported for January, the Central Bank of Jordan’s 2024 annual report noted a slight decline in overall tourism revenues to $10.20 billion, a 2.3 percent annual decrease. This downturn is attributed to a 3.9 percent drop in tourist arrivals in the country. Furthermore, the tourism ministry acknowledged that ongoing conflict, particularly the war in Gaza, has notably impacted Jordan’s tourism performance, leading to reduced visitor numbers and spending.
In 2024, the data indicated a 7.7 percent increase in tourism revenue from Jordanian expatriates and a 12 percent rise from non-Jordanian Arab tourists. However, there was a significant 54 percent drop in revenues from tourists from Europe and the Americas, as well as a 15.3 percent decrease from other nationalities. Despite these declines, the number of international visitors reached 6.10 million, surpassing the target of 5.36 million as set in the country’s Economic Modernization Vision.
In summary, January 2024 marked a significant increase in tourism revenues for Jordan, primarily driven by expatriate spending and non-Arab tourists. However, the broader context shows a decline in overall annual revenues due to geopolitical tensions and reduced visitor numbers. While certain segments of tourism grew, challenges remain in attracting diverse international visitors. The implementation of strategic initiatives is essential for sustaining and enhancing tourism in Jordan going forward.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
