How do tourism and remittances help Jordan’s economy?

Tourism and remittances are vital components of Jordan’s economy, serving as essential sources of foreign exchange that help offset the country's persistent trade deficit.12

Tourism

The Jordanian government actively promotes the tourism sector, which has experienced significant growth since the mid-1990s. Visitors are drawn to historical sites such as the Jordan Valley and the ancient city of Petra. Income generated from tourism, primarily in the form of foreign reserves, is a key factor in the nation's efforts to manage its balance-of-payments deficit.3

Remittances

Remittances sent by Jordanians working abroad are a major source of foreign exchange for the country. Along with tourism revenue, these funds play a crucial role in balancing Jordan's large trade deficit, which occurs because the value of the country's imports—such as machinery and petroleum—consistently exceeds the value of its exports. Together, these inflows provide necessary capital that supports the national economy amidst challenges like regional instability and limited domestic resources.21