Topic outline

  • About Tourism and Hospitality in Jordan

    The Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Jordan has experienced considerable growth rates in recent years that made it one of the drivers of Jordan’s economy. As of Q4 2019, the tourism sector was the single largest employer in Jordan and the highest generator of foreign exchange.

    The potential for economic and social development stemming from the tourism & hospitality sector in Jordan is high, as the country boasts a number of stunning natural landscape, world-class historic and religious sites, and cultural heritage. Jordan is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Petra, the Baptism Site, Quseir Amra, and Um er-Rasas) as well as a UNESCO Protected Area, Wadi Rum.

     

    Key figures:

    -          In 2019, 5.3 million visitors entered Jordan, according to figures by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA), an increase from 4.9 million visitors in 2018. MOTA also estimated that tourism was responsible for 12.5% of the country’s GDP in 2018.

    -          The UN World Tourism Organization estimated Jordan’s tourism revenues to be at 7.2 billion in 2019, a growth from 6.7 billion in 2018.

    -          In 2019, the hospitality and tourism sectors in Jordan supported more than 51,000 people in direct employment – nearly 7.3% of Jordan’s total formal employment – while the indirect and informal employment in this sector is estimated to be at around 213,000.

     

     

    Jordan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

    USD 43.74 Billion in 2019

    Government Budget Deficit

    3.4% of GDP

    GDP Growth rate 2020

    -3.6% in Q2, 2020 compared to same period in 2019

    Tourism contribution to GDP

    12.5% in 2018

    Tourism revenues

    JOD 1.29 Billion in 2019

     

    Number of visitors to the country

    5.3 million visitors in 2019

    4.9 million visitors in 2018

    Percentage of overnight visitors

    84.3% (an 8% increase from 2018)

    Number of employees in tourism sector

    51,500 – 80,500 direct jobs

    200,000+ indirect jobs

    Percentage of women working in the sector

    9% (4,572, of whom just 1,242 are Jordanian)