
To boost tourism growth, Jordan and Russia sign visa-free travel agreement - Jordan News
Jordan and Russia's move to join the ranks of countries offering thirty-day visa-free travel is a significant step forward in promoting tourism and strengthening global cultural ties. By making travel more accessible, these nations are fostering greater international understanding and helping travelers experience the diverse and beautiful cultures of the world. With tourism on the rise, this policy shift is set to benefit not just the countries involved but also the entire global travel industry.

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Ammon
2 hours ago
- Ammon
Amman hosts forum showcasing staircase tourism as heritage
Ammon News - The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Sunday organized the inaugural Omani Staircase Tourism Forum at Staircase No. 3 in Philadelphia, opposite the Roman Amphitheater, with participation from the General Authority for Popular Arts, several Jordanian universities, cultural associations, and civil society organizations. According to a GAM statement, Deputy Director of Amman City for Community Development, Hatem Hamlan, who inaugurated the forum on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Amman, highlighted the historical significance of the city's stone staircases, carved by earlier generations to facilitate movement across Amman's distinctive topography and connect its elevated districts. He emphasized the role these architectural features play in enhancing urban tourism, especially in heritage-rich neighborhoods. Hamlan said the forum is part of a broader series of cultural initiatives GAM plans to implement in collaboration with various partners to revive and preserve Amman's tangible and intangible heritage. Mohammed Abu Zaitoun, Executive Director of the Amman Old Neighborhoods and Tourist Routes Development Project, noted that hosting the event on the Philadelphia Staircase exemplifies innovative urban tourism, leveraging historic urban infrastructure to attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. He described staircase tourism as an emerging facet of the urban tourism economy, aiming to integrate community participation, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. He explained that this approach promotes community ownership by involving municipalities, tourism authorities, local youth initiatives, and residents, thereby transforming cultural events into sustainable development models rooted in cultural diversity and strategic investment in urban infrastructure. Mohammed Wahib, Chairman of the Forum's Organizing Scientific Committee, stated that Omani staircase tourism represents a pioneering concept in the Middle East. He highlighted archaeological evidence of the world's oldest staircase discovered at Ain Ghazal, dating back over 6,000 years BC, emphasizing that staircase tourism in Oman and across the region could yield significant social and economic benefits. Ghassan Owais, Chairman of the Popular Arts Association, remarked that the forum marks the beginning of further academic and cultural engagements centered on Amman's historic staircases. Cultural and academic figures participating in the forum included Alian Adwan, President of the Jordanian Writers and Authors Union, who underscored Jordan's deep historical heritage as a pillar of national identity. Saad Yaqoub, President of the Historians Union, pointed to Amman's rich civilizational legacy, spanning from the Ammonites through Roman and Islamic periods, visible in landmarks such as the Roman Theater and the city's stone staircases, which narrate the story of Amman's evolution.


Watana News
13 hours ago
- Watana News
افتتاح مشروع 'سان جورج' السياحي الأفخم في الفحيص برعاية وزيرة السياحة والآثار
وطنا اليوم – مندوباً عن وزيرة السياحة والآثار السيدة لينا عناب رعى أمين عام الوزارة الدكتور فادي بلعاوي اليوم السبت افتتاح مشروع سان جورج أحد أبرز المشاريع السياحية الفاخرة في منطقة الفحيص وذلك بحضور عدد من أصحاب المعالي الوزراء، والسفراء، والإعلاميين، والمؤثرين، ونخبة من الشخصيات البارزة في قطاع السياحة الأردني. وأكد المدير العام للمشروع السيد محمد الدادا، في كلمة له خلال حفل الافتتاح أن المشروع يُعد مبادرة وطنية رائدة، ومرشحًا ليكون من أهم الوجهات السياحية الواعدة في المملكة، ومجسّدًا لرؤية أصيلة تنبض على أرض أردنية. كما شدّد الدادا على الأثر الاجتماعي والاقتصادي الإيجابي لهذا المشروع، لا سيما على مجتمع الفحيص والمناطق المجاورة، مشيرًا إلى دوره في توفير فرص عمل للكفاءات الأردنية في القطاع السياحي، وتنشيط الحركة الاقتصادية، واستقطاب المزيد من الاستثمارات السياحية النوعية. ويضم مشروع 'سان جورج' عددًا من المرافق المصممة بعناية لتقديم تجربة ضيافة متكاملة، تشمل: • تراسات خارجية وجلسات عائلية بإطلالات خلّابة • منطقة مخصصة للأطفال • مطعم إنترناشونال من فئة الخمس نجوم، حاصل على تصنيف ISO 22000 • طابق مخصص للفعاليات والاجتماعات، مزوّد بأحدث التقنيات • ولاونج فاخر يمنح الزوّار تجربة استثنائية راقية. The Grand Opening of 'St. George' – The Most Luxurious Tourism Project in Fuheis, Under the Patronage of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities On behalf of Her Excellency Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Secretary General of the Ministry, Dr .Fadi Balawi, inaugurated today, Saturday, the grand opening of the St. George project – one of the most prominent and luxurious tourism ventures in the Fuheis area. The event was attended by several ministers, ambassadors, media representatives, influencers, and a distinguished group of key figures in the Jordanian tourism sector. In his speech during the ceremony, the project's General Manager, Mr. Mohammad Al-Dada, emphasized that this project represents a pioneering national initiative and is poised to become one of the most promising tourist destinations in the Kingdom, embodying an authentic vision brought to life on Jordanian soil. Al-Dada also highlighted the positive social and economic impact of the project, particularly on the Fuheis community and its surrounding areas. He noted the project's role in creating job opportunities for skilled Jordanian talent in the tourism sector, boosting economic activity, and attracting high-quality tourism investments. The St. George project comprises a range of meticulously designed facilities to provide a comprehensive hospitality experience, including: • Outdoor terraces and family seating areas with breathtaking views • A dedicated children's area • A five-star international restaurant, certified with ISO 22000 • An events and conference floor equipped with state-of-the-art technology • A luxurious lounge offering guests an elevated and refined experience


Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
Opening of the exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' in Assisi, Italy - Jordan News
In line with the ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of Jordan's religious heritage and promote religious tourism, the exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' was inaugurated in the Italian city of Assisi on Friday, July 4, 2025. The opening ceremony was attended by Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab; the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Italy, Qais Abu Dayyeh; Father Francesco Belloni, regional head of the Franciscan Order in Assisi; and the Deputy Mayor of Assisi, Veronica Cavallucci, along with a large number of Italian political, religious, and cultural figures. اضافة اعلان This exhibition holds special significance as it is being hosted in Assisi, a global symbol of peace and dialogue and a major pilgrimage destination visited by more than five million pilgrims and visitors each year. Choosing Assisi further reinforces the exhibition's message of promoting Jordan as a leading religious pilgrimage, spiritual, and cultural destination. In her opening remarks, Minister Annab emphasized the importance of holding the exhibition in such a symbolic city, noting that King Abdullah II received the Lamp of Peace award there in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to promote human rights, fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and peace in the Middle East and worldwide. Annab stressed that 'this exhibition carries a human and spiritual message that transcends borders, showcasing the Jordanian model of shared living and harmony, and portraying Jordan as a land of peace, love, and humanity.' She added that Jordan is a key destination for Christian pilgrimage and that this exhibition contributes to strengthening religious tourism and invites pilgrims and visitors to discover the Kingdom's sacred sites, further reinforcing its position as a leading religious pilgrimage, spiritual, and cultural destination. Ambassador Abu Dayyeh thanked the city of Assisi and its political, religious, and cultural authorities for hosting the event. He emphasized that 'this cultural cooperation reflects the depth of the historical ties between Jordan and Italy and strengthens the bridges of friendship and understanding between the two peoples.' He also highlighted Jordan's pivotal role in protecting and preserving holy sites, especially through the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which embodies the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to safeguarding religious heritage and harmony. Deputy Mayor Veronica Cavallucci affirmed that the exhibition sends a strong message in support of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and noted that Assisi always welcomes initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and bring people closer together. Attendees toured the exhibition, which features around 90 rare artifacts from 34 archaeological sites across Jordan. The collection narrates the story of the emergence of Christianity on Jordanian land — from the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ at Bethany beyond the Jordan, to Mount Nebo, Machaerus Fortress, Tell Mar Elias, and Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Anjara. Visitors expressed their admiration for the exhibition's spiritual and historical depth and its reflection of the enduring Christian presence in Jordan throughout history and across civilizations. This exhibition — organized by Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and curated by artistic director Eyad Khzuz — marks its second stop on an international tour, following its successful presentation at the Vatican in February and March of this year. It will continue until August 2 at the Monte Frumentario Palace in the heart of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and a symbol of dialogue and peace. Its next stop will be in Athens, Greece, in September. 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' offers visitors a unique spiritual and human experience, taking them on a journey to the roots of early Christianity — from the Jordan River, where the message began and continues to inspire millions around the world to this day.