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