Jordan Achieves Record Number Of Over 1.32 Million Visitors From GCC Nations In 2024

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has reported a record influx of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2024. Overnight stays by GCC tourists surpassed 1.32 million, marking a significant 15% rise from the previous year's 1.15 million. This increase underscores Jordan's appeal as a top destination for Gulf travellers, reflecting the success of its strategic tourism efforts.

Saudi Arabia led the charge with 1.158 million overnight visitors in 2024, up 17% from 985,904 in 2023. The summer months were particularly fruitful, with July and August seeing peak arrivals of 156,400 and 141,007 Saudi tourists respectively. This trend highlights Jordan's growing reputation as an appealing alternative to traditional summer spots.

The total number of GCC visitors during July and August has shown consistent growth over three years. In July alone, numbers rose from 146,474 in 2023 to 172,494 in 2024. Similarly, August saw an increase from 165,593 to 167,031 over the same period. These figures illustrate Jordan's increasing allure for summer travellers seeking diverse landscapes and cooler highland climates.

Kuwait remained the second-largest source of GCC tourists with 72,784 visitors in 2024. Meanwhile, the UAE saw an increase to 18,378 visitors, an 11% rise from the previous year’s figure of 16,491. Qatar contributed with 16,081 visitors while Bahrain and Oman added another layer to this growth with figures of 34,309 and 22,716 respectively.

Visitors from all GCC markets are staying longer on average, indicating a shift towards extended holidays and deeper exploration of Jordan's attractions. This trend was especially noticeable during peak summer months and major holidays when many tourists combined multiple destinations within their travel plans.

"The remarkable results we've achieved in 2024 reflect our strategic focus on the GCC market and the strong cultural and tourism ties between Jordan and Gulf nations," stated Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of JTB. "The growth in both visitor numbers and length of stay demonstrates that our diverse tourism offerings strongly resonate with GCC travelers."

Oman showed notable growth with a year-over-year increase of 12%. This surge is part of a broader pattern where more GCC residents are choosing Jordan for both short breaks and extended vacations due to its varied attractions.

The data indicates that Jordan is becoming increasingly popular among Gulf residents looking for new experiences beyond traditional destinations. Its diverse landscapes offer a refreshing change for those seeking moderate temperatures during summer months.

With inputs from WAM