Will Jordan’s New Charter Flights from Europe Make Petra and Wadi Rum More Accessible for Travelers in 2025?

Published on March 13, 2025

Jordan had taken a significant step in expanding its tourism sector by signing five charter flight agreements with several European countries. This initiative had been finalized on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade shows, held in the German capital. The move had been aimed at boosting the number of European tourists visiting Jordan while also introducing the country to new travel markets, thereby contributing to Jordan’s national economy.

With Jordan’s tourism industry serving as a major pillar of the economy, these agreements had reinforced the country’s commitment to growing its tourism revenue. The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) had actively worked toward strengthening Jordan’s international appeal, with a focus on authentic cultural and nature-based travel experiences that had increasingly drawn European visitors.

ITB Berlin 2025: A Strategic Platform for Jordan’s Tourism Expansion

The participation of Jordan at ITB Berlin 2025 had marked an important milestone for the country’s global tourism strategy. The event had provided a platform for Jordanian tourism officials, industry leaders, and travel partners to showcase the Kingdom’s attractions, from its UNESCO-listed heritage sites to its eco-tourism and adventure travel opportunities.

Dr. Abdul Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, had highlighted that Jordan’s participation at ITB Berlin had been part of the country’s long-term plan to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. He had further emphasized that Jordan’s economic modernization strategy, aligned with the royal vision, had recognized tourism as a key growth sector and a driver of economic prosperity.

European Market Growth and Demand for Authentic Experiences

Dr. Arabiyat had also noted that the German market had experienced significant growth in travel to Jordan. Visitor numbers in January and February 2025 had nearly reached pre-pandemic levels, indicating strong demand for Jordan’s travel experiences among German tourists.

Jordan’s efforts in developing tourism products tailored to European preferences had played a role in this growth. Travelers from Germany, France, Spain, and other European countries had been showing a preference for cultural immersion, historical exploration, and sustainable travel experiences. Jordan’s unique blend of ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions had positioned it as a leading destination for experiential travel.

Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Friendly Travel

During a panel discussion at the Sustainable Tourism Platform at ITB Berlin, Dr. Arabiyat had emphasized Jordan’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development. He had pointed out that Jordan’s eco-tourism initiatives had been gaining international recognition, particularly in locations such as Aqaba, where diving tourism had been expanded through partnerships with the CBI program.

Jordan’s tourism development strategy had placed a strong emphasis on responsible travel, ensuring that local communities, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites were preserved while still attracting a large influx of visitors.

Inclusive Travel: Expanding Accessibility for All Tourists

Jordan had also been making strides in inclusive tourism, with a focus on enhancing accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Dr. Arabiyat had stated that since 2019, the country had been implementing a 10-year plan to upgrade 60% of tourism facilities to meet universal accessibility standards.

In 2023 alone, Jordan had welcomed 260,000 travelers with disabilities, a figure that had underscored the success of initiatives supporting inclusive travel. By improving infrastructure, accommodation options, and travel services, Jordan had been working toward creating an inclusive tourism landscape that catered to a diverse range of travelers.

Jordan’s Role in the Global Sustainable Travel Alliance

Jordan had been actively engaging in global tourism sustainability efforts. It had been announced at ITB Berlin that Jordan had become a founding member of the Sustainable Travel Alliance, a coalition launched by Green Destinations to promote eco-tourism worldwide.

Through this alliance, Jordan had aimed to develop responsible tourism experiences, ensuring that the growth of the tourism sector did not come at the expense of natural and cultural resources. By focusing on sustainability-driven tourism policies, Jordan had demonstrated its commitment to long-term environmental and economic resilience.

The Global Impact of Jordan’s Tourism Expansion

Jordan’s efforts to increase charter flights from Europe had been expected to boost international tourist arrivals, strengthen bilateral tourism relations, and position Jordan as a premier destination for European travelers. The impact of these agreements had gone beyond Jordan, influencing regional tourism dynamics and creating new travel corridors between Europe and the Middle East.

For European travelers, the availability of direct charter flights to Jordan had made Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea more accessible than ever. Additionally, the increased connectivity had encouraged multi-destination itineraries, allowing travelers to combine visits to Jordan with trips to neighboring Middle Eastern countries.

How Travelers Can Benefit from Jordan’s New Tourism Initiatives

For those planning to visit Jordan, the introduction of new charter flights had made the country a more convenient and accessible destination. Travelers had been encouraged to:

• Explore new direct flight options from major European cities to Jordan, reducing travel time and improving connectivity.
• Experience Jordan’s diverse tourism offerings, from heritage tourism in Petra to eco-adventures in Wadi Rum.
• Take advantage of inclusive tourism initiatives, ensuring that Jordan remained a welcoming destination for all travelers.
• Engage in sustainable tourism experiences, supporting eco-friendly resorts, conservation programs, and cultural preservation initiatives.

For tour operators and travel agencies, Jordan’s strong push for European tourism growth had created new business opportunities, allowing them to expand package tours and customized travel experiences for a growing number of international visitors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Jordan’s Tourism Industry

As Jordan’s tourism sector continued to expand, the country had been poised to become a key travel destination in the Middle East, attracting millions of visitors from across the world.

With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and diversified tourism offerings, Jordan had been actively shaping its future as a global leader in responsible travel. By integrating new flight routes, eco-tourism initiatives, and cultural experiences, the country had been ensuring that travelers from around the world could explore its rich history and breathtaking landscapes with ease.