Jordan’s tourism sector experienced record-breaking growth in 2024, welcoming over 1.32 million visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—a 15% increase from 2023. This surge highlights Jordan’s success in positioning itself as a top destination for Gulf travelers through strategic tourism initiatives.
The average length of stay among GCC tourists also increased, particularly during peak summer months and major holidays, indicating a trend toward longer and more immersive visits. Many travelers combined multiple destinations within Jordan, reflecting the country’s diverse appeal.
Saudi Arabia led the GCC market with 1.158 million overnight visitors in 2024, a 17% rise from 2023. The summer months were particularly strong, with July and August recording peak arrivals of 156,400 and 141,007 Saudi tourists, respectively. This growth suggests that Jordan is becoming a preferred summer retreat, offering moderate highland temperatures as an alternative to traditional Gulf travel destinations.
Other GCC nations also showed notable increases. Kuwait remained the second-largest source market with 72,784 visitors. The UAE saw an 11% rise to 18,378 visitors, while Qatar contributed 16,081. Bahrain recorded 34,309 visitors, and Oman saw significant growth of 12%, reaching 22,716 visitors.
These figures underscore the deepening tourism ties between Jordan and the Gulf, with the country’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and strategic marketing efforts playing key roles in attracting more visitors.
