AGP Executive Report

Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Palm Valley (Wadi Al-Ghweir) west of Shoubak is being highlighted as a new Jordanian nature draw, with year-round springs and waterfalls, rare palm belts, and hiking routes that link to the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Aviation & Connectivity: Turkish Airlines keeps rebuilding its Middle East network—adding/boosting Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Kuwait, Bahrain, and increasing frequencies to Dubai, Amman, and Beirut—good news for inbound planning. Direct Flights Boost: Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, strengthening Central Asia access for travelers. Tourism Sector Pressure: Amman Chamber of Commerce and JITOA met over tourism headwinds—booking declines, cancellations, weaker airline traffic, and Jordan’s “mental image” in key markets—pushing for urgent, actionable support. Rural Electrification (Travel-Adjacent Development): The “Fils al-Reef” fund approved electricity delivery to 293 homes and sites (JD 1.012m) via grids and solar systems, supporting communities beyond major cities. Border Strain: Reports flag renewed chaos at the Karameh crossing for Palestinian travelers, with congestion and policy actions affecting tourism and movement.

Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian launched direct Amman–Tashkent flights (twice weekly) to boost inbound tourism and make it easier for Central Asian travellers to reach Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. Tourism Sector Pulse: Amman Chamber of Commerce and JITOA met to tackle booking declines, high cancellations, weaker airline traffic and Jordan’s image challenges in key markets, with a push for an urgent action plan with official bodies. Border & Travel Disruption: Reports highlight renewed strain at the Karameh/King Hussein Bridge as Palestinians face long waits and administrative hurdles tied to investigations and entry restrictions—an issue that directly affects tourism, trade and patient travel. Regional Economy Watch: The IMF said Jordan’s reform program is “on track” and the economy remains resilient, but noted weaker tourism activity and revised growth forecasts amid regional conflict. Travel Safety/Operations: Updates on airline disruptions continue as some carriers restore limited Middle East routes while others keep suspensions in place. Local Development: The “Fils al-Reef” rural electrification fund approved electricity delivery to 293 homes and sites, supporting community services beyond the tourism spotlight.

Air Connectivity Boost: Royal Jordanian launched direct Amman–Tashkent flights (twice weekly), aiming to pull more Central Asian visitors toward Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. Tourism Sector Pressure: Amman Chamber of Commerce and JITOA met to tackle tourism headwinds—booking declines, high cancellations, weaker airline traffic and Jordan’s “mental image” in key markets. Economic Backdrop for Travel: The IMF said Jordan’s reform program is “on track” and the economy remains resilient, but it trimmed 2026 growth to 2.7% and flagged weaker tourism activity tied to regional conflict. Border & Travel Facilitation: Jordan Customs reported major H1 2026 seizures at Jaber Border Crossing (millions of Captagon pills, crystal meth, cigarettes and vape products) while processing over 60,000 vehicles/buses. On-the-Ground Tourism Planning: A new piece highlights how Jordan’s landscape architecture and public parks are evolving into sustainable urban infrastructure—relevant for visitor experience in Amman and beyond. Travel Disruption Watch: Airlines are gradually resuming some Middle East routes, but suspensions still disrupt travel plans. Education & Demand Signals: 56,376 students sit Tawjihi exams, a reminder of seasonal travel and local movement patterns.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Royal Jordanian launched direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, operating twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays), aiming to make Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum easier to reach for travelers from Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Economic Backdrop for Travel: The IMF says Jordan’s reform program is “on track” despite regional conflict, but expects weaker tourism activity and revised growth forecasts (2.7% for 2026). Tourism Demand Boost via Sports: Foreign visitors said Jordan’s World Cup debut helped them discover the country—especially Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea—citing smooth access and security as key. Sustainability for Visitors: Jordan’s Civil Defense ran a campaign to clean the seabed of harmful waste in the Gulf of Aqaba, supporting cleaner tourist destinations. Science & Future Tourism: Over 600 students showcased tech and research at the Jordan Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, with winners set to present in Dublin—another signal of Jordan’s innovation push. Bilateral Links: Jordan Chamber of Commerce met Brazil’s business delegation ahead of a São Paulo forum and an Amman exhibition in October, with logistics and tourism among the sectors discussed.

Air Safety & Travel Disruption: Royal Jordanian confirmed a fatal crash involving a bus transporting crew from JFK to their accommodation in New York/Queens, with 1 crew member dead and the rest (15 total, including two Thai flight attendants) reported in stable condition. Tourism & Heritage: Jerash is spotlighting heritage furniture makers, with the Jerash Culture Directorate urging artisans to preserve traditional craft as a tourism and cultural identity asset. Petra & Tourism Demand: Foreign visitors say Jordan’s World Cup moment pushed them to discover Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, praising easy procedures and security for comfortable touring. Environment for Visitors: Jordanian Civil Defense launched a campaign to clean marine debris and harmful waste from the sea, coordinated with ASEZA and other partners to protect tourist and recreational sites in governorates including Aqaba. Marine Science: Researchers studying deep Gulf of Aqaba microorganisms say natural compounds could help fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria, putting Jordan’s marine resources on the global research map. Economy & Travel Confidence: Jordan’s GDP grew 2.9% in Q1 2026 (up from 2.7% in 2025), with agriculture and manufacturing among the fastest-growing sectors.

Royal Jordanian Safety Update: A bus carrying Royal Jordanian crew from JFK to their hotel in Queens, New York, crashed on the Long Island Expressway early Tuesday; RJ says one crew member died and 14 others (including two Thai flight attendants) were injured but stable, while authorities report a multi-vehicle chain crash and major traffic disruption. Travel Trade Spotlight: WTE Miami 2026 (Oct 27–28) is putting “Travel Advisor of the Future” at the center of its programme, with 100+ speakers and sessions on how AI and new distribution models are reshaping bookings. Jordanian Tourism & Culture: Jerash artisans are pushing a revival of heritage furniture, linking traditional craft to cultural identity and tourism through exhibitions and documentation. Local Economy for Visitors: Jordan’s GDP grew 2.9% in Q1 2026 (DoS), with agriculture and manufacturing leading—an encouraging backdrop for domestic travel and investment. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: A major ecological park is planned within the Amra City project, alongside a tender for Jordan’s largest amusement park.

Royal Jordanian Update: Royal Jordanian Airlines says it is closely following developments after a coach bus carrying the crew of RJ8261 overturned on New York’s Long Island Expressway, killing one crew member and injuring others in stable condition. World Cup Homecoming: Jordan’s national team is set for an official and public reception on Tuesday at Queen Alia International Airport, with fans expected to line the route as the Nashama return after their historic 2026 World Cup appearance. Amra City Tourism Push: Jordan’s largest amusement park is moving forward: a design and feasibility study tender was awarded for a 200-dunam first phase, with operations targeted by end-2028, alongside a new 1,000-dunam ecological park partnership between JCDCF and RSCN. Dinar Demand: Exchange companies report exceptionally strong demand for the Jordanian dinar, linked to returning expatriates and improving tourism activity. Regional Travel Watch: Frontex warns visa-free access in the Western Balkans is being abused by some nationalities, including holders of Jordanian passports of Palestinian origin.

Amra City Tourism Push: Jordan’s Amra City keeps getting bigger: JCDCF and RSCN signed to create a 1,000-dunum ecological park with native planting, water features and migratory-bird habitat, with work due to start early July and finish within three years. New Theme Park Tender: The Jordanian Company for Urban and Facilities Development awarded a design and feasibility study tender for the Kingdom’s largest amusement park—200 dunams in the first phase, JOD 50 million, operations targeted for end-2028—aimed at boosting domestic and international tourism and jobs. Direct Flight Boost: Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, with the inaugural RJ196 departing June 30 and landing the next morning, strengthening Uzbekistan–Jordan travel links. Air Connectivity Updates: UK travel resumption coverage notes airlines gradually restoring Middle East services, with schedules affecting routes that include Amman. Summer Planning: A Jordan summer weather guide highlights peak heat across Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea—useful for travelers planning hikes, beach time and desert camps. Tourism & Culture Calendar: The Muharram full moon is expected to peak early Tuesday, and skywatchers are encouraged to pair the event with Jordan’s archaeological and natural landmarks.

Amra City Boost: JCDCF and RSCN signed a partnership to create a 1,000-dunum ecological park in Amra City, with water features, native planting, rainwater harvesting, and a migratory-bird focus; construction is set to start early July with completion within three years. Big Amusement Park Tender: The Jordanian Company for Urban and Facilities Development awarded a design and feasibility study tender to a British-Saudi coalition for Jordan’s largest amusement park—200 dunams, JOD 50m for the first phase, operations targeted by end-2028, with hundreds of jobs expected. New Air Link: Royal Jordanian will launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, starting June 30, strengthening regional connectivity for tourism and business travel. Tourism Trade & Transport: Amman’s Chamber of Commerce and the tourist car rental syndicate discussed the draft 2026 licensing bylaw, while Jordan’s transport minister highlighted the sector’s role as a regional logistics hub at the Arab Union for Land Transport assembly. World Cup Tourism Moment: Jordan Tourism Board and partners hosted a free “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, with watch parties and immersive Jordanian culture tied to the national team’s debut. Skywatching for Visitors: The Muharram Full Moon will peak early Tuesday, with astronomers saying it’s a great night for viewing Jordan’s landmarks under clear skies.

World Cup Tourism Boost: Jordan’s World Cup debut is turning into a travel story of its own, with Jordan Tourism Board-backed fan events in the US—like the free “Visit Jordan Experience” at Arlington’s Levitt Pavilion—bringing watch parties, immersive Amman experiences, and Jordanian culture to global crowds. Royal Spotlight: Queen Rania shared a heartfelt Crown Prince Hussein 32nd birthday photo, keeping attention on Jordan’s people and family side. Aviation & Travel Signals: The UK lifted its “all but essential” travel ban to Dubai and airlines are gradually restoring Middle East routes, with updated resumption dates that include Amman on later schedules. Local Sector Watch: Amman Chamber of Commerce and the tourist car rental syndicate discussed sector challenges and the draft 2026 Car Rental Service Licensing Bylaw. Heritage & Nature Tourism: Ajloun launched “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs for eco-tourism and irrigation, while Wadi Araba’s Heritage Camel Festival reinforced Jordan’s Bedouin cultural narrative. Culture for Visitors: Jordan’s tourism push also includes “Jordan is cataloguing and promoting its 34 Christian sites,” aiming to deepen heritage tourism.

World Cup Tourism Boost: Jordanian fans in Arlington and beyond are turning matchday into a travel pitch, with the Jordan Tourism Board running a free, registration-required “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion—watch parties, Jordanian food and culture, and immersive Amman content—while King Abdullah II met Arlington’s mayor ahead of Jordan vs Argentina. Local Sector Watch: The Amman Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Car Rental Syndicate discussed sector hurdles and the draft 2026 Car Rental Service Licensing Bylaw, focusing on regulation, sustainability, and investment conditions. Heritage & Nature Tourism: Ajloun launched “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs for eco-tourism and irrigation continuity, and Wadi Araba’s Heritage Camel Festival reinforced Jordan’s Bedouin cultural narrative at the Rahma Visitor Center. Sky-High Inspiration: A regional astronomy project is in the spotlight as Saudi Arabia plans AlUla Manara, adding to the Arab world’s growing stargazing tourism. Travel Trade Signal: WTE Miami 2026 opened registration, targeting growth in global travel business with thousands of buyers and major tourism organizations.

World Cup & Jordan in the spotlight: Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in their final group match, with Lionel Messi scoring a free kick to extend his World Cup record run; Jordan fans in Arlington kept the energy high ahead of the game, with a free three-day cultural festival at Levitt Pavilion run with the Jordan Tourism Board. Royal tourism diplomacy: King Abdullah II visited Arlington during the World Cup festivities and met the city mayor, underscoring Jordan–U.S. partnership talks as international visitors gather. Heritage tourism push: Ajloun launched “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs and turn them into eco-tourism trails that still support irrigation. Bedouin culture on display: The Wadi Araba Heritage Camel Festival highlighted Bedouin camel traditions as part of Jordan’s national narrative. Religious travel roadmap: Jordan is cataloguing and promoting 34 Christian sites, aiming to strengthen religious tourism and build new itineraries ahead of major milestones. On-the-ground fan transport: Irbid Governorate announced free buses to Jerash for fans to watch Al-Nashama’s final World Cup match on giant screens. Food tourism tie-in: A Los Angeles shawarma spot, Miya Miya, is drawing global attention by sharing Jordanian flavors and stories. Travel access update: Japan lowered travel advisories for parts of Jordan and other Middle Eastern destinations to Level 2 after a U.S.–Iran diplomatic memorandum.

Religious Tourism Push: Jordan is cataloguing and promoting 34 Christian sites, aiming to strengthen religious tourism across the Middle East and support new itineraries ahead of the 2030 Baptism of Jesus anniversary, with a digital platform for Al-Maghtas also in the works. Heritage Springs in Ajloun: The Greater Ajloun Municipality launched “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs for eco-tourism, while keeping their traditional role in irrigating crops—cleaning channels, reviving flow, and building tourism trails. Bedouin Culture Spotlight: The Wadi Araba Heritage Camel Festival at the Rahma Visitor Center highlighted camel heritage as part of Jordan’s national narrative, with the Ministry of Culture backing the event as a way to preserve intangible heritage. Fan Travel to Jerash: Irbid Governorate announced free buses from Irbid City to Jerash for fans to watch Jordan’s final World Cup match on giant screens at the ancient theaters—departing 3:30 a.m. Sunday from JETT Roundabout. World Cup Tourism Energy (US): Jordanian fans in North Texas and West LA are turning matches into cultural experiences, from a Jordan Tourism Board free festival at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington to a West LA shawarma spot serving Jordanian flavors to visiting fans.

Jordan Tourism & Culture: Jordan Tourism Board-backed “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington kicked off a three-day festival celebrating the country’s first-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup appearance, with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Emad Hejazeen in attendance and a focus on Jordanian music, cuisine and culture for fans ahead of the final match. Travel Advisory Update: Japan lowered its travel advisories for seven Middle Eastern nations (including parts of Jordan) from Level 3 to Level 2 after a US-Iran security accord, signaling reduced risk but still urging heightened vigilance. Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian launched direct Amman–Vienna flights, adding a new one-stop option for European travel. Regional Heritage Rail: The Hejaz railway revival story gained momentum as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU to restore the historic route, with Jordan and Syria also involved in earlier trilateral steps. Aqaba & Events: Aqaba’s Revolution Square is highlighted as both a tourist draw and an events hub supporting Al-Nashama. Aviation Routes: Air Arabia announced new summer 2026 routes from Sharjah, including London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino.

Jordan Tourism & Culture (World Cup): Jordan’s World Cup run ended, but the Jordan Tourism Board is keeping momentum with a three-day “Visit Jordan Experience” festival at Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington, featuring Jordanian music and cuisine ahead of the final match. Aqaba as an Event Hub: Aqaba’s Great Arab Revolution Square hosted a big public viewing for Al-Nashama vs Algeria, with thousands of families and visitors gathering safely—another signal of the port city’s growing capacity for mass tourism events. Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian is pushing travel demand with direct Amman–Vienna flights, adding a new route for visitors and business travelers. Currency & Visitor Demand: Jordan Chamber of Commerce says demand for the Jordanian dinar at exchange companies is rising, driven by exports, remittances, and the return of Gulf tourists—supporting foreign currency reserves. Tourism Disruption Watch: Heatwave conditions have triggered closures and travel disruptions in parts of the region, a reminder to plan for weather impacts on trips.

New Routes for Jordan Travelers: Vienna Airport added nonstop links to Muscat (Oman) and resumed direct Amman services from June 24, giving easier access to the Arabian Peninsula for holidays and onward travel. Border-Travel Check: Jordan’s Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya carried out a surprise second inspection of the King Hussein Bridge, focusing on traveler services, congestion management, and the electronic booking platform, alongside upgrades like waiting halls and improved passport control areas. Currency & Visitor Demand: Jordan Chamber of Commerce banking representative Firas Sultan said demand for the dinar is rising, driven by exports and remittances, with more activity expected as expatriates return and Gulf tourists arrive. Tourism Investment Idea: Jerash Governorate water springs are being discussed as eco-tourism and hiking assets, but many still lack infrastructure and visitor facilities. Aqaba Match-Day Tourism Boost: Aqaba’s Great Arab Revolution Square hosted large crowds for Al-Nashama vs Algeria, with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority highlighting the city’s ability to host safe, organized mass events for families and visitors.