Jordan’s tourism workforce swells to 60,068 as revenue hits US$7.8B in record 2025

JORDAN – Jordan’s tourism sector has added 3,747 new workers over the past year, bringing total employment to 60,068 as of December 2025, according to newly released data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The 6.7% workforce expansion accompanied a 7.6% surge in tourism revenue to US$7.79 billion, reversing the previous year’s decline and underscoring the sector’s vital role in the national economy .

Hotels and Restaurants Dominate Employment Landscape

Tourist restaurants and hotels continue to serve as the primary employment engines, together accounting for 78% of all sector jobs.

Restaurants lead with 24,020 workers (40% of total), followed closely by hotels employing 22,943 (38%).

These 60,068 workers are distributed across 3,809 establishments, including travel offices, car rental companies, and other tourism-related businesses.

Male workers remain the majority at 51,562, while female employment stands at 8,506, representing opportunities for continued growth in gender diversity.

International Visitor Surge Drives Revenue Recovery

The employment gains track closely with impressive tourism performance metrics. Preliminary Central Bank of Jordan data shows the 7.6% revenue increase to US$7.79 billion was powered by a 15.3% rise in tourist arrivals.

European travelers led the spending surge, with revenue from European nationalities jumping 39.8%, followed by Asian visitors at 32.7% and American tourists at 18.8%.

Arab nationalities contributed 4% growth, while other nationalities combined for 32.6%.

Strategic Investments Support Workforce Development

The expansion aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and National Tourism Strategy, which prioritize steady sector growth and human capital development.

Recent initiatives include training programs for 450 tourism workers launched in November 2025, focusing on developing skills for restaurant and hotel staff, travel agencies, and tour guides.

Earlier in 2025, a broader “Tourism Sector Training and Employment” initiative was announced to train 1,000 young Jordanians, offering courses ranging from assistant chef and pastry making to front office operations and hotel room attending.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Momentum Expected

With preliminary data already showing full-year figures surpassing earlier projections, Jordan’s tourism sector appears firmly on a growth trajectory.

The combination of rising international arrivals, strategic workforce development programs, and diversified source markets positions the industry for continued employment gains.

For Jordanian workers, tourism represents not just jobs but careers in one of the kingdom’s most dynamic and promising sectors.

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