Amman, Jordan – In a landmark move to reshape the future of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) tourism, Jordan has announced the debut of the MENA Travel Market Forum, set to take place in Amman from March 15–17, 2027. This high-level summit, endorsed by regional tourism ministries and global industry giants, aims to unite governments, private-sector innovators, and international organizations to tackle pressing challenges and unlock $500 billion in tourism potential across the MENA region by 2030.
A Strategic Nexus for Collaboration
Hosted at the newly expanded Queen Alia International Convention District, the forum will convene over 1,500 delegates from 50+ countries, including tourism ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, CEOs of hospitality conglomerates like Rotana and Accor, and representatives from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Centered on the theme “Collaborative Innovation for a Resilient Tourism Ecosystem,” the three-day event will address:
- Policy Harmonization: Streamlining visa regimes and cross-border travel protocols to boost intra-regional tourism, which currently accounts for just 35% of MENA arrivals1.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Financing green projects, such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM eco-city and Jordan’s UNESCO-backed Petra Solar Initiative.
- Digital Transformation: Launching a MENA-wide digital tourism platform to integrate real-time travel data, AI-driven itineraries, and crisis management systems.
“This forum isn’t just about dialogue—it’s about actionable partnerships,” said Her Excellency Rania Al-Masri, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. “By aligning regulations and investing in smart technologies, we can position MENA as a seamless, sustainable destination for the next generation of travelers.”
Key Features of the Forum
- Leadership Roundtables:
Closed-door sessions between GCC policymakers and investors to fast-track priority projects, including:- A proposed Gulf-Jordan Tourist Corridor, linking Amman to Dubai via high-speed rail and joint aviation packages.
- A MENA Crisis Response Fund to mitigate impacts of climate-related disruptions on coastal and desert tourism.
- Startup Innovation Hub:
Spotlighting 50+ MENA travel tech startups, from Morocco’s AI-guided Sahara trekking app DuneScope to Oman’s coral reef restoration fintech BlueBonds. Winners will secure seed funding from a $20 million regional venture fund. - Cultural Diplomacy Showcase:
An immersive exhibition celebrating shared heritage, featuring Jordan’s “Rose City” Petra by night, Saudi’s AlUla archaeological wonders, and a multisensory “Tastes of the Levant” culinary journey curated by Michelin-starred chefs.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the forum will unveil the MENA Green Tourism Accord—a binding pact to:
- Achieve carbon-neutral aviation on intra-MENA routes by 2040.
- Train 100,000 workers in green hospitality skills by 2030.
- Protect 30% of the region’s marine and desert habitats through tourism revenue reinvestment.
“The MENA region’s unique ecosystems are its greatest asset,” said Gloria Guevara, former WTTC President and forum advisor. “Balancing growth with conservation isn’t optional—it’s existential.”
Why Jordan?
Jordan’s role as host underscores its emergence as a stable, forward-thinking tourism hub. Recent strides include:
- A 40% increase in tourist arrivals since 2023, driven by eased visa policies and Hollywood-backed campaigns like Star Wars: Legacy of Petra.
- The 2026 completion of the Dead Sea Tourism Hyperloop, cutting travel time from Amman to the Dead Sea to 25 minutes.
- Partnerships with Airbnb and UNESCO to digitize access to lesser-known sites like Umm Qais and the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Registration and Global Participation
Delegates can register starting September 1, 2026, with early-bird rates offering 25% discounts on summit passes. Virtual attendance options will include live-streamed keynotes and metaverse networking lounges.
Media Contact:
Layla Taha, Director of Communications
Jordan Tourism Board
Email: press@menatravelforum.jo
Website: www.menatravelforum.jo
