AGP Executive Report

Hijri New Year Holiday: Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has declared Tuesday, June 16 (Muharram 1448 AH) an official public holiday for ministries, government departments, public institutions, universities, municipalities, and fully government-owned companies, with some work-exemptions for essential services. Tourism Confidence Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the UK’s updated travel advisory, saying most of the country is now classified as safe—expected to lift European visitor confidence and support tourism recovery. Amman Business Push: Franchise and Trade Agencies Expo 2026 opens Tuesday at Amman International Exhibition Centre, targeting partnerships in sectors including tourism and hospitality, banking, digital transformation, energy, and retail. Currency Watch: Strong demand for the Jordanian dinar is linked to rising expatriate remittances (up about 4% recently), with more inflows expected as summer holidays approach. Summer Travel Reality Check: Airfares from the UAE to Amman are forecast to jump about 25% in July versus June as school holidays and peak season hit. Weather Outlook: Mild summer conditions continue in Amman and the highlands, while hotter weather stays concentrated in the Badia, Jordan Valley, and Aqaba.

Hijri New Year Public Holiday: Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has declared Tuesday, June 16 (Muharram 1, 1448 AH) an official holiday for ministries, government departments, public institutions, universities, municipalities, Greater Amman Municipality, and fully state-owned companies, with some work-exemptions for essential services. UK Travel Advisory Update: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities welcomed the UK’s move to reclassify most of the country as safe, calling it a confidence boost for European visitors; the only precaution is a small area near the Syrian border. Air Connectivity Boost: Philippine Airlines announced it will join the oneworld alliance as its 16th member, with integration expected next year—potentially improving loyalty perks, lounge access, and multi-airline booking options for travellers, including in the Middle East where oneworld already includes Royal Jordanian. Jordan Tourism Weather Check: Forecasts point to mild summer conditions in Amman and the highlands, while hotter weather stays mainly in the Badia, Jordan Valley, and Aqaba. Local Travel Context: The Ministry also highlighted that UK guidance was lifted on June 3, no longer advising against all but essential travel.

UK Travel Advisory Lift: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the UK’s updated guidance, saying most of the country is now classified as safe and that the “green light” should boost confidence for European visitors and support tourism recovery. Weather for Travelers: Amman and the highlands are set for mild summer conditions, with heat mainly in the Badia, Jordan Valley and Aqaba—good news for sightseeing and day trips. Dead Sea Adventure Caution: A popular “secret river” near the Dead Sea is described as a dangerous, man-made brine channeling site; travel is prohibited due to mines, sinkholes and border risks. Desert Castles Route Idea: A guide highlights Jordan’s desert qasrs east of Amman, including Qasr Kharanah, as a compelling alternative to the Golden Triangle. Airline Seat Surprise: Ryanair passengers are talking after seat 11A/11F turned out to be “windowless” or obstructed, sparking complaints and viral reactions. Eid Al-Adha Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 14 nations, including Jordan.

UK Travel Advisory Lift: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities welcomed the UK’s update reclassifying most of the country as safe, calling it a confidence boost for European visitors and tourism recovery, with a standard precaution only near the Syrian border. Air Connectivity Update: Air Arabia says flights are running from UAE hubs (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah) to Amman and other regional destinations, with phased international resumptions including London Gatwick and select European routes. Tourism Inspiration: A new guide spotlights Jordan beyond the “Golden Triangle,” encouraging travelers to explore desert castles and qasrs east of Amman, including Qasr Kharanah, with ideas for day trips and deeper cultural stops. World Cup Tourism Angle: Jordan’s World Cup debut is framed as a fresh draw for visitors, with the tournament spotlighting Jordan as a tourist destination and football story rolled into one. What to Watch: A World Cup viewing-and-food roundup pushes matchday hosting ideas—useful for travelers planning stays around the games.

Air Connectivity Shock: British Airways has pushed back the restart of flights to Dubai and three other Middle East destinations until at least Oct 25, extending summer disruptions for Amman, Bahrain and Tel Aviv and cutting Doha to one daily flight (with a later August/early autumn reshuffle). Jordan Spotlight (Travel + Sport): As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Jordan is highlighted as a surprise qualifier making its debut in North America—an angle that matters for tourism demand around Amman and the wider “Jordan beyond Petra” travel push. Cultural & Media Buzz: Jordanian director Zaid Abu Hamdan’s new film “Boomah” is set for the Shanghai International Film Festival, spotlighting Jordan beyond the usual routes. Regional Rail Vision: Turkey is discussing reviving the Hejaz Railway and extending it toward Oman, with the Damascus–Amman link flagged—potential long-term upside for cross-border tourism itineraries. Tourism Sector Signal: Jordan Tourism Board coverage points to recovery momentum as hotel bookings improve. On-the-ground Reality Check: A UK-to-Turkey route suspension by SunExpress shows how geopolitics and fuel costs are still reshaping holiday plans across the region.

Airline Disruption for Jordan Travelers: British Airways has pushed back Middle East flying again, cancelling/suspending services to Amman (along with Dubai, Bahrain, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi and Doha) until at least Oct 25, with reduced schedules for some routes in the meantime—bad news for summer plans and anyone relying on BA connections. Tourism Recovery & Smart Upgrades: Aqaba is showcasing its smart tourism push in Beijing, aiming to use AI and digital tools to personalize visitor experiences and strengthen Red Sea sustainability—while Jordan’s wider tourism sector is also seeing booking improvements. Culture & Film from Jordan: Jordanian director Zaid Abu Hamdan’s crime thriller “Boomah” is set for a Shanghai International Film Festival premiere, spotlighting lesser-seen corners of Jordan and adding another international platform for Jordanian screen talent. World Cup Buzz (Jordan): With Jordan preparing for its 2026 FIFA World Cup debut, coverage highlights the team’s qualification story and the growing spotlight on Jordan as a travel draw during the tournament period. Heritage & Access: A report on the Al-Aqsa/Al-Haram al-Sharif status quo notes mounting deterioration in how access and administration are handled—an issue that can affect visitor planning and regional confidence.

UK Travel Advisory Update: The UK Foreign Office has lifted its “non-essential” travel warning for Jordan, reopening the door for holidaymakers to visit key sites like Petra and Wadi Rum. Air Connectivity Watch: British Airways has pushed back Middle East flight resumptions, with Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman delayed until at least October 25—bad news for summer plans and a reminder to book with flexibility. Smart Tourism in Aqaba: Aqaba is showcasing its “smart tourism” push in Beijing, aiming to use AI and digital tools to personalize visitor experiences and boost Red Sea sustainability. Aqaba Airport Upgrade: ASEZA says a foreign operator deal is imminent for King Hussein International Airport management, alongside expanded Royal Jordanian routes to support inbound tourism. Culture & Media: Jordanian director Zaid Abu Hamdan’s crime thriller “Boomah” is set for a World Premiere at the Shanghai International Film Festival, spotlighting Jordan beyond the usual travel triangle. Regional Rail Ambitions: Türkiye is discussing reviving the Hejaz Railway and extending it toward Oman, with a possible link via Syria and Jordan—an idea that could reshape future travel and trade routes. World Cup Routines: With Jordan’s World Cup debut, early kick-offs are set to shift public working hours to 10:00am on match days.

Tourism Advisory Update: The UK Foreign Office has lifted its “non-essential” travel warning for Jordan, while still advising against travel within 3km of Syria’s border—good news for inbound visitors planning Petra, Wadi Rum, Wadi al Hasa and Jerash. Air Connectivity Watch: British Airways has pushed back its Dubai resumption to at least October 25 and extended Middle East flight suspensions affecting Amman, Bahrain and Tel Aviv, adding uncertainty for summer itineraries. Inbound Tourism Push: Jordan’s Senate Tourism and Heritage Committee says the foreign ministry is working to lift travel restrictions in multiple countries and plans promotional events abroad to bring more visitors. Aqaba Airport Deal: ASEZA says an agreement with a foreign operator for King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is imminent, aiming to boost international air links and tourism. Regional Rail Ambitions: Türkiye is discussing reviving and extending the Hejaz Railway—linking through Syria and Jordan toward Saudi Arabia and ultimately Oman—positioning it as both a tourism and transport corridor.

World Cup & Visitor Mood: With Jordan set for its historic 2026 FIFA World Cup debut, the Prime Minister has ordered public institutions to start work at 10:00am on match days (June 17, 23, 28), as early kick-offs could disrupt sleep and productivity—good news for fans planning to follow Al Nashama while keeping daily life moving. Airport Connectivity Push: Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport is set to move toward a foreign operator takeover to boost international air links, alongside new Royal Jordanian routes (Aqaba–Abu Dhabi and Aqaba–Riyadh) aimed at lifting inbound tourism. Travel Advisory Update: The UK has lifted its “non-essential” travel warning for Jordan, while the Foreign Office continues to flag only limited areas near the Syria border—an important signal for travelers weighing a trip. Inbound Tourism Strategy: Jordan’s Senate tourism committee says the foreign ministry is working to ease travel restrictions in multiple countries and plans promotional events abroad to attract visitors, targeting a tourism rebound (and a 20% GDP goal by 2030). Aviation Disruption Watch: British Airways has extended Middle East flight suspensions (including Dubai, Amman, Bahrain and Tel Aviv) through late October, underscoring how regional tensions still affect planning. Sports Investment Angle: The Jordan Economic Forum frames football qualification as a chance to pull investment and tourism into the Kingdom, linking sports momentum to broader sustainable growth.

Aviation & Travel Disruptions: British Airways has pushed back its Middle East return plans again, extending flight suspensions to Dubai, Amman, Bahrain and Tel Aviv until Oct 25, 2026, while also scaling back Doha and Riyadh frequencies and permanently ending the Jeddah route—another reminder that regional security uncertainty is still shaping travel plans. UK Travel Guidance: The UK Foreign Office removed Jordan, Israel and Palestine from its “do not travel” list (leaving 12 countries still restricted), but keeps tight limits for Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Tourism Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism says low-cost airlines resume July 1, expected to lift tourist arrivals—especially from Europe—alongside stronger support at border crossings and promotion of the “Ahlan Jordan” platform. Sports as an Economic Lever: The Jordan Economic Forum argues Jordan’s 2026 World Cup qualification can drive investment and tourism, positioning football as a growth engine beyond the pitch. Al-Aqsa Custodianship Debate: A British MP urged the UK to oppose any US-Israel moves to strip Jordan’s historic custodianship role over Al-Aqsa, citing concerns over appointments and sermon content. Regional Context: A Middle East travel update notes airlines rerouting or delaying flights amid the latest Iran-related security disruptions.

Low-cost flights to Jordan from July 1: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says the return of budget airlines will “significantly” lift tourist arrivals, especially from Europe, after earlier suspensions linked to regional tensions. The ministry also says it’s boosting support at border crossings and entry points and promoting the “Ahlan Jordan” platform as hotel bookings show gradual recovery. Air travel disruption across the Middle East: Reports of Iran-linked missile attacks triggered precautionary airspace closures and led to diversions, delays and route suspensions around the Persian Gulf, with airlines including Air France and KLM extending pauses on key Middle East services. Jordan World Cup debut squad announced: Jordan has named its full 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—its first-ever appearance—led by captain Ihsan Haddad, with Musa Al-Taamari dubbed the “Jordanian Messi.” Regional shipping upgrade: The “Red Sea Express” service is set to streamline freight between Egypt, Jordan (Aqaba) and Saudi ports, aiming to cut port delays and speed up container transit for trade. Travel loyalty shake-up (UK): EasyJet plans a points-based loyalty scheme next year, signaling more mainstream rewards for low-cost travelers—potentially good news for future Jordan-bound visitors.

Budget Flights Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says low-cost airlines resume to the Kingdom on July 1, expected to “significantly” lift tourist arrivals, especially from Europe, after earlier suspensions linked to regional tensions. Border Readiness: The ministry says it’s stepped up support at border crossings and key entry points, promoting the “Ahlan Jordan” digital platform and visitor services as recovery indicators begin to improve. World Cup Spotlight: Jordan named its full 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—its debut at the tournament—led by captain Ihsan Haddad, with Musa Al-Taamari dubbed the “Jordanian Messi.” Local Transport Upgrade: A new Irbid–Sweileh–Medical City bus route launched with services from 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., about hourly departures, and a fare of JD 1.65 to ease congestion and serve commuters and visitors. Shipping Link: The “Red Sea Express” service connects Egypt’s Ain Sokhna, Jordan’s Aqaba, and Saudi ports (Jeddah Islamic and King Fahd Industrial in Yanbu) to speed regional freight and reduce port delays.

Medical Tourism Push: Jordan’s Health Minister says royal support is strengthening the country’s role as a regional hub, with Istiklal Hospital launching an “Istiklal Medical Tourism Platform” to boost medical tourism. New Hospital Capability: Zarqa Government Hospital carried out its first-ever open-heart surgery after completing a new department, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel to Amman. Local Transport for Visitors & Staff: A new Irbid–Sweileh–Medical City bus route began service, running 6:15 a.m.–6:00 p.m. with a JD 1.65 fare and about one hour between trips. Tourism Sector Signals: Jordan Tourism Board reports improving hotel bookings and signs of recovery in the tourism sector. Travel Disruption Watch: Flights to/from Beirut were cancelled as Israel prepared to resume strikes, raising fresh regional travel concerns. Public Spending Controls: Jordan extended a suspension of official travel for public-sector employees and delegations until end-2026, with travel limited to cases of utmost necessity.

Jordan Tourism & Pilgrimage Logistics: Jordan’s Public Security Directorate mobilized specialized units at border centers to support Jordanian and Arab pilgrims returning from Hajj, streamlining document processing, escorting transit convoys, and setting up rest stations to reduce bottlenecks. Health & Infrastructure: Zarqa Government Hospital completed its first-ever open-heart surgery after launching a new open-heart surgery department, with the Prime Minister’s directives also driving upgrades and an ICU expansion plan. Air Connectivity: Oneworld boosted London Heathrow links as Alaska Airlines launched a new nonstop Seattle–Heathrow route, with 71% of Oneworld round-the-world bookings including London—good news for multi-stop travel planning. Travel Policy Watch: Jordanian households are feeling holiday-related cost pressure as prices and fuel/transport costs rise, pushing spending toward essentials—something tourism operators may feel in demand patterns. Royal Spotlight: Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa marked their third wedding anniversary with a new symbolic portrait, keeping Jordan’s cultural visibility high for visitors.

Budget Air Access: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism says low-cost airline flights will resume from July 1, a boost expected to lift tourist arrivals—especially from Europe—after regional aviation disruptions. Tourism Recovery Signals: The Jordan Tourism Board reports gradual recovery: better hotel bookings and occupancy, new projects including Dead Sea Corniche, Crowne Plaza Petra, Yarmouk Lodge and Tal Al-Rumman Hotel, plus Aqaba welcoming a cruise ship again. Eid Al-Adha Travel Flow: Jordan’s Central Traffic Department logged 21,656 reports during Eid al-Adha, with 1,254+ officers and 485 vehicles managing traffic and sacrificial livestock market areas; no major congestion reported. Hospitality Demand: The Jordan Restaurant and Sweets Shop Owners Association says Eid demand was strong, led by Amman and Ajloun (including the Ajloun Cable Car), with expatriates returning and summer leisure dining driving bookings. Pilgrims on the Move: Jordan Customs inspected returning Hajj pilgrims at Mudawwara and Omari crossings, aiming for smooth entry ahead of the Eid culmination. World Cup Prep: Jordan’s national team plays Switzerland in a friendly in St. Gallen, then heads to the US for matches including Colombia in San Diego and a World Cup training camp in Portland.**

Eid al-Adha Travel Pulse: Jordan’s Central Traffic Department says it handled 21,656 traffic reports nationwide during the holiday, with 1,254 officers and 485 vehicles deployed and no unusual congestion reported. Tourism Recovery Watch: The Jordan Tourism Board points to gradual recovery—better hotel bookings and occupancy—citing new projects like Dead Sea Corniche, Crowne Plaza Petra, Yarmouk Lodge and Tal Al-Rumman Hotel, plus a revived cruise call at Aqaba and the “Urdunna Jannah” domestic tourism push. Air Access Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says low-cost flights to resume from July 1, expected to lift arrivals, especially from Europe, after regional aviation disruptions. Pilgrims Return: Jordanian Customs inspected returning Hajj groups at Mudawwara and Omari crossings, with readiness measures aimed at smooth entry for the 8,000 Jordanian and 4,500 Palestinian pilgrims quota. Local Hospitality Demand: Restaurant and sweets shop owners report strong Eid demand in Amman and Ajloun, helped by salary timing, expatriate returns, and family tourism linked to the Ajloun Cable Car. World Cup Build-Up: Al-Nashama’s friendly vs Switzerland in St. Gallen is framed as a key step toward Jordan’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup debut, followed by a US tour.