Jordan’s cabinet approved a JD 5 million (approximately USD 7 million) tourism relief package on 27 July 2026, with Petra as the primary beneficiary. The fund covers financial support for hotels operating near the site, licensed travel agencies, and individual tour guides whose livelihoods depend on the Petra visitor economy.
The Relief Package
The JD 5 million allocation is structured as direct support rather than loans, distributed through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Hotels within the Petra region that demonstrate occupancy losses will receive a proportional disbursement; travel agencies registered with the ministry qualify for a separate tranche; and certified tour guides — a group that has seen earnings drop sharply — receive individual payments.
The cabinet decision followed a report showing that Petra received 204,217 visitors in the January–May 2026 period, an 11% decline from the same period in 2025. The drop is attributed to regional tension that prompted tour operators in several source markets to pause Jordan itineraries.
Ahlan Jordan Platform
Alongside the relief package, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Ahlan Jordan digital platform on 19 July 2026. The platform aggregates tourism packages built around Jordan’s key sites, with prices starting from USD 180 per person. The entry-level packages include accommodation and guided access to Petra, with multi-day options incorporating Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Jerash.
The platform is available in English and Arabic and accepts bookings from any country. It is intended to give international visitors direct access to verified operators without requiring them to go through an intermediary — useful for independent travellers who prefer to book in-country rather than through a home-market tour company.
Jordan’s Current Status
Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that all attractions are operating normally. Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea are open and accessible. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is running its full schedule, and Royal Jordanian is operating flights on all routes.
The ministry has been explicit: Jordan’s airspace is open, and the security situation in the country itself is stable. The temporary caution some visitors exercised was a response to wider regional uncertainty rather than conditions inside Jordan.
Planning a Visit
For travellers who had been holding off on Jordan due to regional news, the current window is a practical one. Visitor numbers below normal levels mean Petra — one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites — is less crowded than it typically would be in summer. Hotels are offering competitive rates, and the Ahlan Jordan packages represent genuine value compared to independently assembled itineraries.
Our city guides cover Amman, Aqaba, and Petra in detail. The things to do section includes the main hike routes inside Petra and what to expect at each. For full trip planning, our itineraries page includes a classic Jordan loop that combines Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in seven days. Accommodation options across price points are covered in hotels.