Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Jordan)

The Ministry's creation aimed to organize and manage the tourism industry, ensuring that it contributed effectively to the nation's economy while preserving the country's historical and cultural sites.

By 1981, 43 years ago, it was renamed as the Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities (Arabic: وزارة السياحة والآثار والثقافة والشباب, romanized: Wizarat Al-Siyaha wal-Athar wal-Thaqafa wal-Shabab).

In 1985, 39 years ago, it was rebranded as the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (Arabic: وزارة الإعلام والثقافة والسياحة, romanized: Wizarat Al-I'lam wal-Thaqafa wal-Siyaha).

Finally, in 1989, 35 years ago, it settled on the name the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Arabic: وزارة السياحة والآثار, romanized: Wizarat Al-Siyaha wal-Athar).

By September of the same year, the headquarters were moved to Amman, while a small branch office remained in Jerusalem, with the department maintaining its independence and reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

[4] The government, recognizing the need for enhanced tourism services, established the first rest area at the Ar-Ramtha border point in 1956 with support from the International Development Agency.

This move was part of a broader vision to improve the tourism administration, prompting Jordan to seek international expertise to evaluate and develop the sector.

This includes overseeing the excavation, restoration, and maintenance of Jordan's many historical sites, such as Petra, Jerash, and the Dead Sea, which are recognized around the world for their significance.

These global marketing efforts, such as the "Kingdom of Time" campaign, are designed to showcase the historical and cultural richness of Jordan, positioning it as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

The Ministry must ensure that these sites are not damaged or degraded by the increasing number of visitors, requiring careful planning and management to maintain their integrity for future generations.

Fluctuations in regional stability often influence travelers' decisions, making it essential for the Ministry to develop adaptive strategies that can help maintain and even grow the tourism sector during uncertain times.

The Ministry is tasked with implementing measures to protect these valuable resources from the impacts of climate change, ensuring their preservation in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Wadi Rum
Oval Forum
A view of the sea from the Jordanian shore with the hills of the West Bank in the background
Ajloun Castle in 2009
Tourist police kiosk at Petra