AGP Executive Report

Heritage Tourism in Jordan: A new “Heritage House” in Anjara (Ajloun) is spotlighting Jordanian folklore through preserved tools and traditional stone-arch architecture, aiming to draw heritage visitors and boost local tourism. Archaeology & Travel Buzz: Wadi Rum’s Ayn Abu Nukhayla—an important 9,500-year-old Neolithic settlement—has been highlighted as a fresh reason to visit the desert beyond its famous rock art. MICE & Industry Growth: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, showcasing Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) scene. World Bank Watch: The World Bank projects Jordan’s economic growth to reach about 3% by 2028, with fertiliser exports expected to help cushion regional pressures—good news for travel demand planning. Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian reported strong demand on its Amman–Dallas route, signaling continued appetite for longer-haul links. Regional Context: With Strait of Hormuz stability discussed as a key factor for energy and food prices, Jordan’s tourism operators will be watching how regional calm (or escalation) affects costs and visitor confidence.

World Bank Outlook: Jordan’s economy is projected to grow 2.7% this year, rising to 2.9% in 2027 and reaching 3% by 2028, with fertiliser exports expected to cushion regional shocks. Diplomatic Tourism Push: The Jordan Tourism Board, with Jordanian embassies in Jakarta, New Delhi, and Ottawa, hosted Independence Day receptions featuring heritage performances and tourism promotion films. MICE Spotlight: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, highlighting Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Regional Connectivity: A Hejaz Railway revival plan is moving forward, with a Saudi–Türkiye–Jordan–Syria corridor aimed at boosting regional travel and trade links. Air Travel Links: Royal Jordanian reported strong demand on its Amman–Dallas route, while SriLankan Airlines expanded connectivity via Saudi Arabia through new partnerships. World Cup Travel Reality Check: Coverage around the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights how visa and entry rules can disrupt fans’ travel plans—an issue Jordanian travellers may want to factor in.

World Cup tourism push: Jordan’s first-ever men’s World Cup run is now underway, with a dedicated Jordan match guide highlighting Group J fixtures (vs Austria on June 16, vs Algeria and Argentina between June 16–27) and travel logistics for fans heading to host cities. Border flow for summer travelers: Jordan Customs says it has reinforced staffing at Al-Omari ahead of the summer vacation rush, reporting 350,000+ passengers, 120,000+ vehicles and 50,000+ cargo trucks handled over the past month to keep crossings moving smoothly. Cultural tourism calendar: Under Royal patronage, the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts launches its 40th edition on July 22 (through August 2) with 207+ events across Jerash and other governorates. MICE spotlight: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, showcasing Jordan’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. Aviation demand signal: Royal Jordanian reports strong demand on its Amman–Dallas route, pointing to continued interest from long-haul travelers. Regional connectivity plan: Jordan is included in the Hejaz Railway revival talks, with a Saudi–Türkiye rail corridor expected to pass through Jordan and Syria as part of a wider connectivity push.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal patronage, Jordan’s Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts launches its 40th edition on July 22, running to Aug 2, with a theme of “A Legacy That Endures… Generations That Unite” and a packed programme of 207+ events across Jerash and other governorates. MICE Push: Jordan Tourism Board says the ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea this week, positioning Jordan as a growing hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions—citing stability, infrastructure and event track record. Tourism Promotion: Crown Prince Al Hussein re-shared a tourism video highlighting Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea and northern plains. World Cup Travel Reality Check: Coverage notes World Cup dreams are colliding with visa barriers and rising costs, a reminder for Jordanian fans planning trips. Border Readiness: Jordan Customs reinforced staffing at Al-Omari ahead of summer travel and expatriate returns, reporting 350,000+ passengers and 50,000+ cargo trucks handled in a month. Connectivity Boost: SriLankan Airlines announced partnerships with Saudia and Flynas to expand Saudi-linked connections, including routes connecting via Amman.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal patronage, the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts kicks off July 22–Aug 2 in Jerash, with a theme of “A legacy that endures… generations unite” and 207+ events across Jordan. MICE Boost: The ICCA Middle East Summit opened at the Dead Sea, with Jordan Tourism Board officials pitching the country’s growing meetings and incentives edge. Tourism Push: Crown Prince Al Hussein re-shared a tourism promo spotlighting Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra and the Dead Sea. World Cup Travel Demand: Royal Jordanian says strong demand on the Amman–Dallas route is driving more flights ahead of Jordan’s World Cup matches. Border Readiness: Jordan Customs reinforced staffing at Al-Omari ahead of summer travel, processing 350,000+ passengers and 50,000+ cargo trucks in a month. Heritage & Sustainability: ASEZA and UNESCO signed an agreement to protect Wadi Rum heritage and support sustainable local development. Air Connectivity: SriLankan Airlines announced new partnerships with Saudia and Flynas to expand Saudi connections. Safety Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued a high-level security alert for Americans amid regional escalation.

World Cup Tourism Push: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is positioning the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a global showcase for the Kingdom’s archaeological, cultural and natural attractions, with promotional campaigns boosted through cooperation with 12 Jordanian embassies abroad. Jordanian Tourism Abroad: The Jordan Tourism Board hosted a reception in Brazil to mark the 80th anniversary of Jordan’s Independence Day, featuring a promotional film, traditional products and dabke with the Jordanian diaspora. Jordanian Youth & Trails: American University of Madaba and the El Hassan Youth Award signed an MoU to expand youth leadership and volunteerism via the Ra7aleh Initiative, linking students with the Jordan Trail and local communities. Regional Security Watch: Amid escalating U.S.-Iran strikes, reports say Iran targeted U.S. bases in the region including claims involving Jordan, while Jordan’s air traffic was reported as operating normally—something travellers will be watching closely as the World Cup season ramps up. World Cup Travel Reality Check: Separate coverage highlights visa and entry friction for some qualified countries, including Jordan, plus ongoing debate over ticket availability and pricing.

World Cup travel buzz: A Jordanian super fan, Abdulsalam Aljarmah, is touring 40 countries in eight months in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to share Jordan’s culture ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with support from Visit Jordan and the Ministry of Culture. Regional security & travel risk: The US-Iran standoff escalated again after US strikes and Iran’s tit-for-tat attacks, with reports of missile activity involving Jordan—Jordan activated air defenses and said air traffic was not disrupted, but the situation could affect travel planning. Jordan tourism & culture: Amman’s Chinese food scene is shifting from “just dining” to cultural discovery, with younger Jordanians seeking authentic experiences tied to Chinese traditions. Water infrastructure crackdown: Jordan’s Water Authority dismantled illegal water connections in Qatraneh, targeting encroachments on main drinking-water pipelines used by roadside sprayers. Air travel disruption (UK-Europe): Manchester Airport saw cancellations including Royal Jordanian and SunExpress flights, plus delays for several other carriers—check schedules before heading out.

Regional Security Shock: The US and Iran traded airstrikes after a US Army Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran firing at targets in Bahrain and Kuwait and also claiming it hit an air base in Jordan hosting US forces—raising fresh concerns for travel safety and regional stability. Aviation & Travel Ripple Effects: Separately, Dubai flight disruptions are still spreading, with multiple airlines extending suspensions and delays that could affect Jordan-bound itineraries via the Gulf. Royal Jordanian World Cup Branding: Royal Jordanian is decorating aircraft with images of Al Nashama players to promote Jordan’s 2026 World Cup participation across its global network, including the new Amman–Dallas route. Jordan Travel Advisory Update: UK guidance reportedly lifted its “non-essential” travel advisory for Jordan, with tourism operators preparing for renewed demand after earlier Middle East-related concerns. Hijri New Year Holiday Confirmed: Egypt and other regional calendars are pointing to Hijri New Year public holiday dates, which can shift travel planning and hotel occupancy. Banking for Travelers: Jordan Ahli Bank integrated with J.P. Morgan’s Wire 365 to speed up USD payments year-round, including weekends and US holidays. World Cup Footprint Debate: New reporting flags the 2026 World Cup’s large carbon impact, with travel expected to drive most emissions.

UK Travel Advisory Lift: The UK has updated its guidance, classifying most of Jordan as safe for “non-essential” travel again—good news for holiday packages that had been paused or rerouted during months of regional tension. Royal Jordanian World Cup Branding: Royal Jordanian is putting Al Nashama (Jordan’s national team) on aircraft, with a unified campaign rolling out across boarding passes, fan scarves, shuttle buses and travel kits, including promotion via its US network and the new Amman–Dallas route. Amman Investment Push: Amman Vision (AVID) launched its 9th investment package, offering new land plots for commercial, recreational, tourism, sports and industrial projects—part of Greater Amman Municipality’s push to unlock tourism-linked development. Water Security in Al-Hasa: Jordan’s water authorities removed illegal pipeline connections used to run vehicle-washing sprinklers, seizing tanks, pumps and sprinklers along the Amman–Aqaba Desert Highway. Jordan–South Korea Deal: A South Korea–Jordan economic and trade cooperation agreement took effect, covering investment and explicitly including tourism cooperation. World Cup Travel Reality Check: A report warns that visa rejections and rising costs may keep many younger, less-connected Jordanian fans out of the 2026 World Cup—despite qualification excitement.

Aviation Watch: Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission says air traffic in Jordanian airspace and airports is operating normally, with travellers urged to check with airlines as regional conditions could affect some schedules. New Route for Tourism: Royal Jordanian plans to launch direct Aqaba–Moscow flights (twice weekly) using A320neo aircraft, tapping growing passenger demand and giving Russian visitors a fresh Red Sea leisure gateway. Tourism Marketing Push: The Jordan Tourism Board has appointed FP7 McCANN UAE and Initiative MENAT, with a major FIFA World Cup-linked campaign aimed at boosting Jordan’s visibility and visitor interest. World Cup Spotlight (Jordan): Jordan’s first World Cup appearance is getting global attention, with guides highlighting squad and Group J fixtures, including Jordan matches in the US. Public Holiday: Jordan has announced June 16 as a public holiday for Hijri New Year (Hijri 1448 AH), with government bodies and institutions observing the day. Bilateral Deal: South Korea–Jordan economic and trade cooperation agreement entered into force June 9, covering areas like investment and tourism and setting up a joint committee for follow-up.

Jordan Tourism Board Marketing Push: The Jordan Tourism Board has appointed FP7 McCANN UAE and Initiative MENAT, with a major campaign starting around the FIFA World Cup, aiming to boost Jordan’s visibility and visitor interest through creative, media and digital work. Aviation Update for Travellers: Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission says air traffic in Jordanian airspace and airports is operating normally, while urging passengers to check airline schedules as regional conditions could affect some flights. Royal Accession Anniversary: Jordan will mark the 27th anniversary of King Abdullah II’s Accession to the Throne on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing modernization and development priorities across sectors. Hijri New Year Holiday: Jordan’s Prime Minister has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday for ministries and government institutions to mark Hijri New Year (Hijri 1448 AH). World Cup Travel Reality Check: FIFA fans heading to the 2026 World Cup are reporting visa and entry barriers, with one Iraqi supporter describing how consular service suspensions forced him to travel to Jordan—only to be told the embassy couldn’t issue a visa for non-citizens. Business & Tourism Expo: Franchise and Trade Agencies Expo 2026 is set to open in Amman next Tuesday, targeting sectors including tourism and hospitality and aiming to connect local and international partners.

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.