Amman, Sept. 11 (Petra)-- The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities held a tourism evening in the Russian capital, Moscow, with broad participation from representatives of the tourism and media sectors, religious figures, influencers and investors, as part of efforts to promote Jordan’s tourism offerings and strengthen direct cooperation and communication with tourism-sector partners in the Russian market.
According to a ministry statement issued Friday, the event highlighted opportunities for Russian tourism to Jordan following the entry into force of the agreement on mutual visa exemption, which facilitates tourist travel and enhances Jordan’s competitiveness as a regional tourism destination.
Under the agreement, Russian citizens can visit Jordan without obtaining a prior visa, in accordance with its provisions, for stays of up to 30 days per visit.
The ministry also reviewed developments in air connectivity between Russia and Jordan, including direct flights between Moscow and Amman, as well as the upcoming launch of a direct route between Moscow and Aqaba. The new route is expected to open further opportunities for beach, leisure and family tourism and enable Russian tourism operators to develop diverse travel packages to Jordan.
In this regard, participants stressed the importance of strengthening Jordan’s presence in the Russian market through the appointment of a tourism representation office in Russia to serve tourism and travel agents and provide them with the necessary information and support. The move is expected to contribute to developing joint tourism programs and increasing the number of Russian tourists visiting Jordan.
During the event, the ministry presented Jordan’s competitive advantages as a tourism destination, including its proximity and ease of access, diverse tourism offerings, moderate climate and the wide range of experiences that tourists can combine in a single trip.
These include cultural and historical tourism at Petra and Jerash, religious tourism, as well as visits to the Dead Sea, Aqaba and Wadi Rum, in addition to medical and wellness tourism, adventure activities and nature-based experiences. Such diversity allows tourism programs to be tailored to the interests of different segments of the Russian market.
Religious tourism and Christian pilgrimage were a key focus of the event, with the ministry highlighting Jordan’s preparations to welcome pilgrims and visitors from around the world to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030.
The ministry also reviewed development projects at the Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) aimed at enhancing the experience of Christian pilgrims and visitors and strengthening Jordan’s position as a global destination for Christian pilgrimage. The projects include the establishment of a Baptism of Jesus Christ Museum, an integrated village for pilgrims and visitors, infrastructure improvements and the development of a green corridor.
The ministry underscored the important role of the Russian Orthodox Church in this global occasion as a key partner in promoting religious tourism between Russia and Jordan, particularly given the Russian presence at the Baptism Site, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Pilgrims’ Residence.
It noted that this established presence provides an important foundation for expanding cooperation and attracting larger numbers of Russian pilgrims and visitors to Jordan.
The ministry said the tourism evening was part of its efforts to expand Jordan’s presence in global tourism markets and strengthen its partnership with the Russian tourism sector, while turning new measures and opportunities, particularly visa-free travel and enhanced air connectivity, into tangible opportunities to increase tourist arrivals and develop joint tourism programs that benefit various components of Jordan’s tourism sector.
//Petra// MF
