Jordan’s tourism revenue in January reached $680.5 million, a 22.8% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by spending from Jordanian expatriates, non-Jordanian Arabs, and non-Arab visitors. However, total revenues for 2024 saw a slight decline due to external impacts. Despite challenges, the country welcomed 6.10 million international visitors, exceeding its goals.
In January, Jordan’s tourism sector generated revenues of $680.5 million, reflecting a substantial annual increase of 22.8%. According to the Central Bank of Jordan, this growth was fueled by a 22.7% rise in spending among Jordanian expatriates, a 20.2% increase from non-Jordanian Arabs, and a 30.7% surge from visitors outside the Arab region.
The Jordan National Tourism Strategy 2021-2025 aims to enhance international visitation by showcasing the country’s rich archaeological heritage and stunning natural landscapes. The boost in tourism revenues in Jordan correlates with trends observed in the wider region, where nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively developing their tourism sectors as part of broader economic diversification efforts.
The initial month of the year also noted a remarkable upswing in outbound tourism spending, reaching $184.9 million, indicating a 29.4% year-on-year growth. However, a report from the central bank indicated that total tourism revenues for 2024 were estimated at $10.20 billion, marking a slight decline of 2.3% compared to the previous year, attributed to a 3.9% decrease in tourist arrivals.
The tourism ministry’s annual report attributed the downturn in visitor numbers and spending to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which adversely impacted the tourism dynamics in Jordan. Nonetheless, the data indicated increased revenues from Jordanian expatriates (up 7.7%) and non-Jordanian Arab tourists (up 12%) in 2024. Conversely, revenues from European tourists plummeted by 54%, and similar declines were noted for American and other international nationalities.
Despite these setbacks, Jordan welcomed 6.10 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing the target of 5.36 million set forth in the Economic Modernization Vision. This demonstrates the ongoing efforts within the tourism sector, underscoring a resilient growth potential despite various challenges the country faced.
In summary, while Jordan’s tourism sector experienced a significant revenue boost in January, recent trends indicate a decline in overall annual revenues due to external factors, including geopolitical tensions. Nevertheless, the government continues to pursue strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism sector and attracting international visitors with its unique cultural and natural offerings. The mixed results in visitor spending highlight the complexities of the market but also signify potential for recovery and growth moving forward.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
