Jordan Tourism Revenues Rise to $6.35 Billion Amid Uneven Recovery
Jordanian tourism revenues reached $6.35 billion in the first nine months of 2026, driven by Arab and Asian visitors, despite steep declines in Western tourists and lingering struggles in Petra.
Jordan's tourism sector is showing signs of recovery from the security instability in the Middle East, though the rebound remains uneven. Preliminary data released by the Central Bank of Jordan indicates tourism revenues reached $6.35 billion in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 4.9% increase compared to the same period last year. In September alone, revenues hit $794.3 million, representing a sharp 21.5% surge.
Shifts in Visitor Demographics
While overall revenues rose, the growth was driven primarily by visitors from Arab and Asian nations, while revenues from key Western markets continued to decline. Central Bank figures show that tourism income from Arab visitors grew by 18.8% through September, and Asian visitor revenues rose by 12.3%. Conversely, revenues from European tourists dropped by 23.7%, American visitors fell by 16.3%, and Jordanian expatriates decreased by 4.1%.
According to the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, approximately 5.66 million international visitors entered the country during the nine-month period, including 4.6 million overnight tourists and 1.06 million day-trippers. Interestingly, European visitor numbers actually rose by 8.4% to reach approximately 771,000, even as central bank data registered a steep drop in revenues attributed to them.
Petra Struggles to Attract Foreign Tourists
The uneven nature of the recovery is clearly visible in Petra, Jordan's iconic archaeological site. Official data from the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority shows that 362,215 people visited the site in the first nine months of 2026, a 2.8% decrease year-on-year. However, the drop among foreign visitors was far more severe, plunging 17.8% down to 184,387.
Adnan Swaiedat, head of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, noted that the late September improvement was linked to the stabilization of aviation and the resumption of flights. He stressed that strengthening air connectivity remains vital for boosting foreign arrivals and supporting the local economy.
Government Support and Economic Measures
The Jordanian government has implemented several measures to stabilize the sector, including interest subsidies and financial assistance for tourism businesses to help retain employees. Additionally, authorities signed an agreement with the national carrier, Royal Jordanian, to support more than 60 air routes, aiming to enhance accessibility and expand travel options for incoming tourists.
