The ministry reviewed developments in air connectivity between Russia and Jordan, including direct flights between Moscow and Amman, and the upcoming announcement of a direct route between Moscow and Aqaba. This opens new horizons for beach, recreational, and family tourism, allowing the Russian tourism sector to develop diverse tourism programs to the Kingdom.
In this context, emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening Jordan's presence in the Russian market by appointing a tourism representation office in Russia to serve travel and tourism agents, and to provide them with necessary information and support. This contributes to developing joint tourism programs and increasing the flow of Russian tourists to the Kingdom.
During the evening, the ministry presented the competitive advantages Jordan enjoys as a tourism destination, notably its close proximity, ease of access, diverse tourism product, moderate weather, and the variety of tourism experiences a tourist can combine in a single trip. These range from cultural and historical tourism in Petra and Jerash, and religious tourism, to the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Wadi Rum, alongside medical, wellness, adventure, and nature tourism. This diversity allows for the design of tourism programs that meet the interests of various segments of the Russian market.
Religious tourism and Christian pilgrimage formed a major focus of the gathering. The ministry outlined Jordan's preparations to welcome pilgrims and visitors from around the world to participate in commemorating the bimillennial anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030. It also highlighted the development projects underway at the Baptism Site ("Al-Maghtas") aimed at elevating the experience of Christian pilgrims and visitors and reinforcing Jordan's status as a global destination for Christian pilgrimage. These projects include the establishment of the Jesus Christ Baptism Museum, an integrated village for pilgrims and visitors, infrastructure development, and the creation of a green corridor.
The ministry emphasized the important role of the Russian Orthodox Church in this global occasion as a vital partner in promoting religious tourism between Russia and Jordan, especially given that the Russian presence at the Baptism Site has deep roots through the Russian Church and the Russian Pilgrim House located there. This provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and attracting larger numbers of Russian pilgrims and visitors to Jordan.
The ministry stated that this evening comes within the framework of its efforts to expand Jordan's presence in global tourism markets, strengthen partnership with the Russian tourism sector, and transform potentials and new procedures—foremost among them the abolition of visas and enhanced air connectivity—into real opportunities to increase tourist numbers and develop joint tourism programs that benefit all components of the Kingdom's tourism sector.
