AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: Royal Jordanian is launching a direct Amman–Vienna route from 24 June, with four weekly flights and onboard Wi‑Fi, aiming to deepen Jordan’s European reach and boost tourism demand. Tourism Trade: WTE Miami 2026 opens visitor registration today (23 June), spotlighting Jordan’s tourism push through global travel trade networking with 70+ countries expected. World Cup Tourism Buzz (Jordan): Jordanian fans are gathering across the Kingdom to watch the Al-Nashama vs Algeria match, with live viewing sites organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan Tourism Board, and local partners. Economic Modernization & Tourism Pressure: The World Bank says Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision is progressing, but notes Petra visitor declines tied to instability, alongside inflation and trade disruptions. Ports & Logistics (Aqaba): Aqaba’s port activity is rising as navigation normalizes, with cargo handling and ship arrivals up year-on-year—supporting Jordan’s wider travel and trade corridor role. Regional Diplomacy: Arab foreign ministers met in Amman to discuss regional crises, including the US-Iran framework, underscoring the backdrop for travel planning.

World Cup Fan Tourism in Jordan: Crowds of Jordanian supporters gathered early across Amman and other governorates to watch Al-Nashama vs Algeria, with live viewing organized by the Ministry of Youth and partners including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, and local municipalities—Roman Theater, Hashemite Plaza, and Odeon Theater among the main fan sites. Aqaba Market Buzz: Aqaba’s “China Town” keeps drawing tourists and locals, with Chinese merchants and Arabic-speaking shoppers boosting the city’s retail appeal and reinforcing Aqaba as a go-to stop for visitors. Transport & Comfort Watch: Lexus announced the all-new electrified RZ500e for the Middle East, a reminder that regional mobility upgrades can shape how travelers plan future trips.

World Cup Tourism Push: Jordan’s ambassador to the U.S., Dina Kawar, is using the country’s first-ever World Cup run to spotlight a more human side of Jordan and to sell Amman as a tourism and business destination, with attention on the team’s next matches. Fan-Led Destination Marketing: Ahead of Jordan’s Algeria game, major Jordanian landmarks were lit red—from Umm Al-Jimal and Jerash to Amman’s Citadel and Umayyad Palace, plus Aqaba sites—paired with public screenings at the Roman Theater and across governorates to build a festive, visitor-friendly buzz. Aqaba Shopping Culture: Aqaba’s “China Town” in the Aqaba port area continues to draw residents and tourists since 2006, with shoppers praising variety and value and Chinese merchants using Arabic to connect with visitors. Border Travel Upgrade: Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya inspected the King Hussein Bridge, where a tender is underway to improve passenger waiting halls, shaded areas, and sanitation—aimed at handling seasonal surges for travelers, including summer and pilgrimage periods. Tech & Mobility for Travelers: Lexus announced the all-new RZ500e BEV launch in the Middle East, signaling more electrified options for regional drivers and future road-trip planning.

World Cup Tourism Push: Jordan’s ambassador to the U.S., Dina Kawar, says the spotlight on Al-Nashama is a chance to show “humans” and highlight Jordan’s growing sports investment—plus Amman’s plan to use the tournament to boost tourism and business. Fan Events in Amman: Jordan’s Ministry of Youth and Greater Amman Municipality, with tourism partners, are staging World Cup public viewing at the Roman Theater, Al-Hashemi Square and Odeon Theater; gates open two hours before kickoff for the Algeria match, with family, youth and accessibility zones and capacity limits. National Unity at Landmarks: Iconic sites across Jordan lit up red in support of Al-Nashama ahead of the Algeria clash, including Umm Al-Jimal, Jerash, Madaba, Aqaba, Amman’s Citadel and Umayyad Palace, Shobak, Ajloun and Abdoun Bridge. Border Travel Upgrade: Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya inspected King Hussein Bridge operations and said tender work is underway for improved passenger waiting halls, shade and sanitation—aimed at smoother peak-season travel. MICE Boost: JCDCF approved final designs and launched engineering for the Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre near Queen Alia Airport, targeting major exhibitions and international events with large halls and sustainability-focused tech. Aqaba Port Digital Leap: AD Ports and Aqaba Development Corporation launched Noatum Ports Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions to cut truck waiting times and streamline cargo movement at Aqaba Port via AI-enabled port community and truck management systems.

World Cup Fan Tourism: Jordan is leaning hard into matchday travel vibes for Al-Nashama’s Group J clash with Algeria, with Roman Theatre and other downtown Amman venues hosting live public screenings, plus extra viewing areas across governorates. Landmarks Go Red: A nationwide tribute lit up major heritage sites in red—Umm Al-Jimal, Jerash, Madaba, Aqaba, Amman’s Citadel and Umayyad Palace, Shobak, Ajloun, and Abdoun Bridge—encouraging fans to wear red. Match Logistics for Visitors: The national team’s pre-match press conference and training are set for the San Francisco area, while organizers keep the focus on a unified, easy-to-follow fan experience. MICE Boost in Amra: Jordan’s Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre cleared final designs and engineering works, targeting 16,000 sqm of exhibitions, 12,000 sqm for conventions, and about 15,000 attendees—aimed at strengthening conferences and exhibitions tourism. Border-Travel Upgrade: Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya inspected the King Hussein Bridge and said tender work is underway for passenger waiting halls, shades, and key services to improve flow during peak summer and pilgrimage seasons. Aqaba Port Modernization: AD Ports and Aqaba Development launched Noatum Ports Maqta Ayla to cut truck waiting times and streamline permits via a digital port community system.

World Cup Fan Tourism: Jordan kicked off a nationwide red-light tribute to Al-Nashama, illuminating landmarks from Umm Al-Jimal and Jerash to Madaba, Aqaba and Amman’s Umayyad Palace, with organizers urging supporters to wear red ahead of Tuesday’s Algeria clash. Match-Day Visitor Push: Jordan’s Ministry of Youth and Amman Municipality, with tourism partners, is running public World Cup viewing events at the Roman Theatre, Al-Hashemi Square and the Odeon Theater, with gates opening two hours before kickoff and extra screens plus family/youth/accessible zones. Pre-Match Media & Training: Al-Nashama will hold an official pre-match press conference early Monday, followed by a training session with the first 15 minutes open to media, as the team finalizes preparations in San Francisco. MICE Tourism Boost: JCDCF approved final designs and launched engineering works for the Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre (JD50m), targeting major exhibitions and conferences with 16,000 sqm of exhibition space and capacity for about 15,000 visitors. Aqaba Port Modernization: AD Ports and Aqaba Development launched Noatum Ports–Maqta Ayla digital solutions, including an AI-backed port community system and truck management platform aimed at cutting Aqaba Port truck waiting times and improving logistics flow.

MICE Boost in Amra City: JCDCF has approved the final designs and launched engineering works for the Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a JD50m venue planned to host about 15,000 visitors, with 16,000 sqm of exhibition space and 12,000 sqm for conventions—aimed at attracting international events near Queen Alia Airport. Aqaba Port Digital Push: AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation launched Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, rolling out a Port Community System and AI-backed truck management to cut waiting times and streamline cargo flows at Aqaba Port. World Cup Fan Viewing in Amman: Jordan’s youth and municipal bodies, with tourism partners, are staging public live-broadcast events at the Roman Theater, Al-Hashemi Square and Odeon Theater for the Algeria match, with timed entry, family/youth/accessible zones, and extra screens. Regional Flight Recovery, Still Messy: Middle East airlines are resuming routes after the Iran-war disruption, but travelers face uneven schedules, waivers and rebooking rules—good news, with confusion still in the mix.

Aqaba Tourism Push: Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) hosted an ambassadors’ field visit to Petra and Wadi Rum, spotlighting UNESCO heritage, visitor-experience upgrades, and new investment opportunities in Jordan’s “Golden Triangle.” Port Tech for Travelers & Trade: AD Ports Group launched Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Aqaba, rolling out a Port Community System and truck management tools to speed permits and streamline logistics. Monetary Stability Watch: Jordan’s Central Bank kept the key interest rate at 5.75%, citing stable monetary indicators and strong FX reserves—good news for the broader business climate behind tourism growth. Creative Tourism Angle: A feature on Jordan’s emerging filmmakers highlights projects progressing through local and international development pipelines, reinforcing Jordan’s growing appeal beyond the classics. World Cup Spotlight (Indirect): Coverage continues to link Jordan’s global visibility to the 2026 World Cup moment, with Jordan mentioned among the smallest nations making the tournament.

Jordan World Cup viewing: Jordan fans still can’t watch live FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on free-to-air TV—beIN Sports holds exclusive rights, so “free” mostly means public screenings and watch parties (including a big-screen Roman Theatre event in Amman). Jordan economy & tourism outlook: The Central Bank kept its key rate at 5.75% as monetary indicators stayed stable, with reserves at $27.2bn and inflation subdued—supporting the broader conditions tourism depends on. IMF financing boost: The IMF approved Jordan’s fifth review under the EFF, unlocking about $188m, and flagged that stronger growth in 2027 hinges on major investment projects; it also noted war-related disruptions hit tourism activity. Aqaba logistics digitisation: AD Ports Group launched Noatum Ports’ Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Aqaba, rolling out a Port Community System and truck management tools to speed permits and improve logistics efficiency. Regional travel rules shift: The UK updated travel advice for 14 countries including Jordan, easing “all but essential” restrictions while warning the situation remains unpredictable.

Jordan Tourism & Economy: The IMF approved the fifth review of Jordan’s reform programme under the Extended Fund Facility and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, unlocking $188m in fresh financing, while noting that regional tensions have hit tourism but the economy has stayed resilient thanks to policy reforms and targeted support. Monetary Policy: Jordan’s Central Bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 5.75%, citing stable monetary indicators, with foreign reserves at $27.2bn (end-May) and inflation running at 1.88% in the first five months. Travel Demand Signals: Exodus Adventure Travels has restarted bookings for Jordan tours from July 2026 after Foreign Office travel advice eased, reporting strong interest and a rebound in rebookings after cancellations. World Cup Watch in Jordan: A practical guide for fans: live FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Jordan are not on free-to-air TV because beIN Sports holds exclusive rights, so “free” options mainly mean public screenings and watch parties. Port & Logistics for Visitors: AD Ports Group launched Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Aqaba, rolling out a Port Community System and truck management digital tools aimed at speeding permits and improving logistics efficiency—good news for smoother travel and trade flows. Culture & Film: Jordan’s film sector is gaining momentum as emerging filmmakers push authentic local stories, supported by institutions like the Jordan Film Academy, Royal Film Commission, Jordan Film Fund and the Amman Film Festival.

Port & Logistics Boost: AD Ports Group launched Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan, a joint venture with Aqaba Development Corporation to run a Port Community System and a truck management “unified digital window” aimed at speeding permits and improving Aqaba’s logistics flow. Trade Ties: The Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Pakistan’s ambassador agreed to activate the Joint Jordanian-Pakistani Business Council to expand trade, investment, and business matchmaking. World Cup Tourism Watch: With Jordan’s historic 2026 World Cup debut drawing attention, a key practical note for visitors: live matches are not on free-to-air TV in Jordan (beIN Sports holds rights), so fans rely on public screenings and watch parties. Demand Signal for Operators: Exodus Adventure Travels says bookings for Jordan tours restarted for July 2026 after Foreign Office travel advice eased, with demand expected to peak in October–November. Macro Backdrop for Travel: The IMF approved Jordan’s fifth EFF review and second RSF review, unlocking $188m, citing support for sectors hit by regional tensions, including tourism. Air Connectivity: Jazeera Airways announced direct Kuwait–Aleppo flights starting 25 June (twice weekly), adding another regional route for travelers. Monetary Stability: Jordan’s Central Bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 5.75%, citing strong reserves and moderate inflation.

IMF Boost for Jordan’s Economy: The IMF approved the fifth review of Jordan’s Extended Fund Facility and the second review of its Resilience and Sustainability Facility, unlocking about $188m in fresh financing, with tourism and industry named among sectors supported as regional tensions continue. Amnesty for Migrant Workers: Jordan announced a general amnesty for certain undocumented Bangladeshis, allowing eligible workers to return home, keep working without paying fines, and switch employers; those who entered on tourist visas can apply for work permits. Royal Jordanian Travel Signal: Royal Jordanian says it stayed operational during regional disruptions and is positioning Jordan as a gateway for Indian travellers as travel sentiment improves. Jordan World Cup Pride in the Capital: Jordanians gathered early for the Nashama’s World Cup moment, with a fan zone at Amman’s Roman Theatre and giant screens across cities and youth centers. Jordanian Cinema Goes Global: Two Jordanian films were selected for Shanghai’s festival, highlighting Jordan’s growing film reach into Asian markets.

Immigration & Work Permits: Jordan announced a general amnesty for undocumented Bangladeshi workers, allowing eligible people to return home, keep working without paying fines, and switch employers—plus those who entered on tourist visas can apply for work permits (Bangladesh embassy in Amman warned migrants to watch for fraud). Economic Backdrop for Tourism: The IMF approved Jordan’s fifth review under its Extended Fund Facility and second under its Resilience and Sustainability Facility, unlocking $188m, citing continued macro stability and support for sectors hit by regional tensions, including tourism. World Cup Spotlight (Travel Demand): Jordan’s historic World Cup debut is drawing fans and attention abroad, with Jordanian supporters staging long road trips and big fan gatherings at home—an extra boost for Jordan’s visibility as a destination. MICE & Culture: Jordan’s growing events and cultural reach got a nod with ICCA Middle East Summit coverage at the Dead Sea and international interest in Jordanian cinema, including two films selected for Shanghai. Air Connectivity Watch: Airline disruptions tied to regional tensions continue, with some Middle East routes resuming while others remain suspended.

World Cup Pride in Jordan: Jordanians turned out early for the Nashama’s historic first FIFA World Cup appearance, with the government delaying the workday and Amman’s Roman Theater packed into a fan zone; giant screens also went up nationwide. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Jordanian cinema is gaining global traction, with two films selected at the Shanghai Film Festival—crime thriller “Boomah” and family drama “Sink”—showing Jordan’s stories are landing in major Asian markets. Travel Demand Signals: Reuters reports hundreds of Jordan fans road-tripping to the match in the US, including a Bay Area welcome for supporters wearing the shemagh—an instant boost for diaspora-led sports tourism. MICE Momentum: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, highlighting Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions push. Aviation Connectivity: SriLankan Airlines expanded links with Saudia and Flynas, adding smoother connections via Amman to Saudi and beyond.

World Cup spotlight on Jordan: Jordan’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup debut is set to kick off with the opener vs Austria in California, with Group J also featuring Algeria and Argentina—Jordan’s camp is based in Portland after earlier training in Amman and a San Diego stint, and the Crown Prince visited to boost the squad. Jordan tourism & hospitality signal: Amman Marriott Hotel has reopened after a major renovation, positioning the landmark property for the next wave of visitors. MICE push: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, highlighting Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions scene. Infrastructure for visitors: Preliminary works have started for the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II International Stadium in Amra City, aiming for a 46,000-seat venue by late 2029. Tourism-adjacent business support: The Social Security Corporation announced lower interest rates for indebted businesses’ installment plans, with tourism establishments and municipalities able to benefit from existing zero-interest terms until June 30.

World Cup tourism spotlight: Jordan’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup debut is already putting the destination on the global map, with the Jordan Tourism Board pointing to the country’s “history, culture and hospitality” as fans tune in for Group J matches in California and Texas. Hotel reopening: Amman Marriott Hotel has reopened after a major renovation, aiming to refresh the guest experience while keeping its long-running, family-friendly hospitality reputation. MICE push: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, showcasing Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Air access warning: Ryanair has extended the pause of 17 routes to and from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) until October 25, putting some summer holiday plans at risk. Infrastructure for visitors: Work has started on the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II International Stadium in Amra City, targeting a late-2029 opening and linking the venue to public transport and BRT routes. Energy for communities: Fils Al Reef approved electricity connectivity for 199 homes and sites in May, supporting access that can indirectly help local tourism and services. Business relief: The Social Security Corporation cut installment interest rates for indebted businesses, with tourism establishments and municipalities still benefiting from a zero-interest repayment window until June 30.