Jordan, a country in the Middle East, is rich with a wide range of tourist attractions. Tourism is Jordan's most promising sector of the economy. Jordan has a developed tourism infrastructure with a plethora of luxury hotels and resorts, advanced transport infrastructure, a wide range of activities and cultural events, spas and numerous tour operators operating in the country.
Tourism accounts for a large part of Jordan's economy. Jordanian hospitality is well noted by its rash of western tourists. In 2008, there were over 6 million arrivals, 3 million of them tourists, with tourist receipts amounting to about 3 billion dollars. Its major tourist activities include visiting ancient sites (like the worldwide famous Petra) and unspoilt natural locations, as well as observing cultural and religious sites and traditions.
In addition to its historical sites, Jordan offers the following tourist attractions:
- Health tourism is becoming very popular in Jordan. Many of the recipients of Jordanian hospitals are Palestinian and Iraqi refugees. Syrians, Yemenis, and South East Asians working in Jordan are also common visitors. Leisure tourism in the Dead Sea area offer world-class spas to visitors. Theuraptic tourism is an increasingly important sector of the Jordanian tourism industry.
- Education tourism is also very popular in Jordan. Jordan's excellent education program is a favorite for westerners studying Arabic in the Middle East. Also, those who can afford it study in Jordan's European and American universities
- Adventurers staying in Jordan can also rock-climb in Jordan's Wadi Rum and go for hikes in Jordan's northern mountainous region. Scuba divers can visit Aqaba's magnificent coral reefs.
- Pop-culture tourism is also evident in Jordan because many western films have been filmed in Jordan
- Shopping tourism is popular in Amman, Irbid, and Aqaba.
- Pilgrimages are growing in Jordan. Mount Nebo and the Mosaic Map in Madaba are popular to Christian tourists. The Jordan River and the Dead Sea are also very popular. The numerous medieval mosques and churches are popular destinations for pilgrims.
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