ABTA Magazine

We spoke to Dr Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director for Jordan Tourism Board

What’s on the horizon for Jordan?

The demand for Jordan continues to rise- we’ve seen a 28% increase for the first six months of 2019. The Aqaba region, which has ongoing development, is now more accessible as easyJet is doubling the number of direct flights to twice a week from London Gatwick from the end of October 2019. The latest development is Ayla Oasis, home to Jordan’s first 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Greg ‘Great White Shark’ Norman. The Oasis recently hosted the first ever mixed international golf tournament, which creates a new target audience for tourism in Jordan.

Why should UK holidaymakers visit?

Jordan is a year-round destination with winter temperatures averaging 18 degrees, while the summer months can reach up to 40. The weather attracts UK visitors looking for an escape that isn’t too far from home. Flights take five and half hours with UK travelers now being able to access Amman and Aqaba directly through an increased air service. For those in search of a long weekend, we continue to welcome more luxury hotels in Amman – W Hotel Amman, Fairmont Amman and in 2020, the Ritz-Carlton.

How is Jordan targeting sustainability?

WE have the ‘Meaningful Map’, which highlights experiences that offer a positive for both travelers and communities. The map addresses two overlapping trends for tourism: demand from travelers for authentic and sustainable experiences, and the need to use the power of travel to help people and places thrive. There are various tour operators that offer walking tours of the ‘Jordan Trail’ which connects the length of Jordan from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south, and offers 40 days of hiking over more than 650 kilometers. Petra Archaeological Park, one of our most popular destinations, was also selected by the Green Destinations Foundation as one of the Top Sustainable Destinations for 2019.