Jordanian Sports Play a Vital Role in Promoting Tourism
Jordanian sports have actively contributed to promoting tourism in the Kingdom, attracting large numbers of Arab, Asian, and international athletes who visit to participate in various sporting events.
Many foreign sports stars arriving in Amman with their national teams take advantage of their stay to visit Jordan’s key tourist sites and promote them by sharing photos on their personal social media accounts.
In recent days, Jordan has hosted a significant number of top Asian wrestling teams, with athletes seizing the opportunity to explore tourist destinations such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and Amman’s renowned attractions, among others.
Meanwhile, the city of Aqaba is currently hosting the West Asia U-20 Women’s Football Championship and is preparing to welcome the Jordan Baja, a global motorsport rally, starting this Thursday. The event will feature prominent Arab and international racing stars, creating an ideal opportunity to promote Jordan’s Golden Triangle (Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba) as these athletes visit and showcase these stunning locations on social media.
Jordanian motorsport competitors affirm that last year’s Baja rally in Aqaba significantly boosted tourism promotion, and they expect this year’s event to have an even greater impact.
Former Aqaba football star Rashad Talouzi noted that hosting sports events in Aqaba helps revitalize tourism and the local economy. He highlighted how Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum have greatly benefited from the influx of athletes who visit these sites and share their experiences with millions of followers online.
Tour guide Mahmoud Fadl explained that many Arab and international sports stars visit Jordan’s key attractions—such as the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Petra, and Aqaba—while participating in sporting competitions. He added that major sporting events drive tourism activity, as athletes’ presence at these sites encourages visitors to take photos with them and share them online, further increasing visibility and interest.
Dr. Iyad Al-Malah, Dean of Student Affairs at Petra University and media spokesperson for the Karate Federation, emphasized that sports serve as a powerful tool for tourism promotion, given the star power of athletes who visit Jordan. He noted that many make it a point to explore the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, the Roman Theater, Ajloun Castle, and other famous historical and tourist sites.