(MENAFN) Jordan's tourism industry has seen an unprecedented surge in the number of tourists visiting the country, with over 1.47 million sightseers arriving during the first quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of 90.7 percent compared with the same period last year and surpasses the figures for the first quarter of 2019, which was considered a "golden year" for tourism in Jordan. As a result, tourism income surged 88.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 to hit USD1.671 billion, with a 68.4 percent spike in Jordanians' spending on tourism during the same period, reaching USD422.3 million, according to Jordan's central bank data.
The latest Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities monthly bulletin revealed an 80.9 percent rise in the number of overnight tourists to 1.204 million during the quarter, compared with 665,779 a year earlier. The surge in tourism can be attributed to the country's renowned tourist landmarks and attractions, including the "Golden Triangle" encompassing Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea, the Roman Theater in Amman, Mount Nebo, Ajloun Castle, Jerash, and the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ, and Karak Castle.
Last month, Jordan's northern town of Umm Qais was honored at the UN World Tourism Organization's Best Tourism Villages awards ceremony in AlUla, further boosting the country's tourism industry. Imad Hijazin, secretary-general of Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, said that the recognition of the location would contribute to empowering local communities and increasing job opportunities.
The surge in tourism comes at a time when Jordan and other countries worldwide are striving to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy and has been given a boost by the surge in visitors in the first quarter of 2023. The country's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has implemented a tourism development plan through the Jordan National Tourism Strategy 2021-2025 to further boost the industry and attract more tourists to the country.
Overall, Jordan's tourism industry is booming, with record numbers of tourists visiting the country and a surge in spending on tourism. The country's renowned landmarks and attractions continue to draw visitors from around the world, and the industry is set to play a crucial role in the country's economic recovery.
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