As tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, travelers with plans to visit nearby regions, including Jordan, are understandably concerned about safety. Jordan, a popular destination for winter sun seekers, shares borders with both Israel and Syria, putting it in close proximity to areas affected by ongoing conflict. Despite this, the Jordanian government, supported by its tourism board, has assured visitors that the country remains safe for tourists, except for regions within 3 km of the Syrian border.
For the travel industry, these developments are crucial. Jordan has long been a major player in Middle Eastern tourism, with destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea attracting millions of visitors annually. The ongoing unrest in the region could impact tourism in significant ways, but with the right strategies in place, the country can continue to thrive as a travel destination.
As of October 2, 2023, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK advises against all travel within 3 km of Jordan’s northern border with Syria due to the fragile situation there. The FCDO has also urged caution in areas near Jordan’s borders with Iraq and Israel, where security threats could emerge without warning.
Recent military activity in the Red Sea has raised further concerns for travelers. In early October, the Jordanian airspace was temporarily closed after ballistic missiles targeted Israel and were intercepted over Jordan’s capital, Amman, resulting in flight cancellations and diversions. Jordan’s only seaport, Aqaba, located at the tip of the Red Sea, has also experienced cruise itinerary cancellations. This is largely due to the wider Red Sea conflict, affecting cruise tourism in the region, which has traditionally brought many visitors to Jordan.
However, Jordan’s popular tourist areas such as Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum remain safe and far from conflict zones. For travelers with trips booked to these locations, the FCDO has advised vigilance but maintains that tourism in these areas can continue as planned.
Jordan’s tourism industry, like many others, has been affected by global events, from the pandemic to regional unrest. However, the country’s response to these challenges has been strategic. The Jordan Tourism Board released a statement emphasizing that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring visitors’ safety and highlighted the power of travel to build bridges between cultures, especially during times of global tension.
For travel operators, the recent disruptions in Jordan present both challenges and opportunities. The temporary airspace closure and missile interception over Amman could deter some tourists, particularly those unfamiliar with the region. However, for more experienced travelers and those who have visited Jordan before, the country’s reassurances and the fact that its most famous tourist spots are far from conflict zones could encourage continued travel.
The Red Sea conflict has also had an impact, with cruise ships diverting away from Aqaba. For the travel industry, this means potential losses in revenue from cruise-related tourism. According to cruise tracking websites, the next scheduled stop for a cruise in Aqaba is in October 2025, signaling a potential two-year hiatus in cruise tourism to the area. However, this also provides time for the region to stabilize and for cruise lines to adjust their itineraries to include Jordan once again.
The airspace closure on October 1, 2023, caused significant disruptions, with flights to and from Jordan being canceled or diverted. This affected travelers planning to visit the country, as well as those trying to leave. Queen Alia International Airport, located south of Amman, remains operational, although flights to Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, have been suspended. Despite these disruptions, Royal Jordanian, the national airline, continues to operate normally.
Flights from the UK to Jordan, provided by airlines like British Airways, easyJet, Tui, and Wizz Air, were also affected. With most UK airlines suspending flights to Israel due to the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, Jordan remains an alternative gateway for travelers to the region. However, caution is advised, and travelers should stay updated on the latest travel advisories from their respective foreign offices.
Royal Jordanian continues to offer flights from London Stansted and Manchester to Amman, but travelers should monitor updates, especially regarding airspace changes. With ongoing regional unrest, air travel could be subject to sudden changes, requiring flexibility from both airlines and passengers.
Despite these challenges, Jordan has demonstrated resilience in the face of regional instability. For those booking package holidays, particularly to areas that fall under the FCDO’s “no-go” zones, travelers have the right to cancel without penalty. However, for most of Jordan’s key tourist spots, cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of individual holiday providers.
This situation presents an opportunity for tour operators to offer flexibility to their clients. Providing options such as free rescheduling, extended booking windows, or refunds for disrupted travel could maintain consumer confidence. In the long term, the travel industry’s ability to offer adaptive packages that consider sudden geopolitical changes will be key to retaining customer trust.
In addition, Jordan’s strategic location and its access to major historical and cultural sites make it a must-visit destination in the Middle East. The Dead Sea, Jerash, and Mount Nebo are all far from the regions affected by conflict and continue to be highly attractive to tourists from across the globe.
The ongoing situation in Jordan and its neighboring regions is reflective of the broader challenges facing global travel today. The intersection of safety concerns, geopolitical unrest, and tourism has become increasingly complicated in a world that is both more interconnected and more volatile. However, these challenges also offer lessons for the travel industry.
As tourism begins to recover from the pandemic, the industry must now address new concerns related to safety and security. Travel advisories can change at a moment’s notice, and tourists are becoming more cautious about where they visit. At the same time, travelers are increasingly seeking out alternative destinations, opting for places that offer rich cultural experiences away from traditional hotspots.
Jordan, with its historical significance and natural beauty, remains an appealing option, despite regional unrest. In the face of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Jordan remains a relatively stable and safe destination for tourists, especially in key areas like Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum. The country’s tourism board has made efforts to ensure visitors’ safety and to keep Jordan’s borders open for travelers from around the world.
For the travel industry, this presents an opportunity to promote Jordan as a destination that offers both cultural richness and relative safety, despite its proximity to conflict zones. With careful planning and up-to-date information, travelers can still enjoy the beauty and history that Jordan has to offer. For those in the travel industry, flexibility and clear communication will be crucial in helping tourists navigate the complexities of visiting the region during these challenging times.
