Jordan’s tourism sector hit hard amid US–Israel–Iran tensions
Tourism is a vital pillar of Jordan’s economy, with the spring season being the peak period for travel and bookings.
KATHMANDU: Amid escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, Jordan’s tourism industry has suffered a major setback, just as the sector was showing signs of recovery from the Gaza conflict.
According to Adnan Sawarka, chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, all bookings for March at the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra have been canceled due to the conflict.
Tourism is a vital pillar of Jordan’s economy, with the spring season being the peak period for travel and bookings.
Before the recent escalation, buses carrying tourists were increasingly visible on the streets of Amman.
Mahmoud Khasawneh, president of the Jordan Tourism and Travel Agents Association, said cancellations in March have exceeded 85 percent and warned that bookings for April and May could also be at risk if the conflict persists.
Hussein Hilalat, head of the Jordan Hotel Association, noted that numerous flights from international and Arab markets have been canceled, causing a sharp drop in hotel occupancy nationwide.
Michelle Najjal, chair of the Senate’s Tourism and Heritage Committee, described the situation as a “complex and prolonged crisis,” highlighting that the impact goes beyond operational losses to threaten thousands of jobs and potential investments.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Emad Hijazin said an emergency monitoring team has been formed to track the conflict’s effect on bookings and air traffic, with the ministry taking steps to support the sector.
