Jordan will become the number one destination for sports tourism in the Middle East and attract international competitions to Amman and Aqaba

Posted on November 1, 2025

Jordan is emerging as a premium location for sports tourism, offering a unique combination of world-class facilities, stability and cultural richness. From the vibrant streets of Amman to the calm waters of the Dead Sea, the country is fast becoming a top destination for international sporting events, attracting athletes and teams from across the Arab world, Asia and beyond.

Oman hosts the Asian Girls Volleyball Championship

Amman, the Jordanian capital, takes center stage this weekend as it welcomes the Asian Girls’ Volleyball Championship. The competition includes 14 national teams, reflecting Jordan’s growing ability to host large-scale international events. This tournament not only brings top-class athletes to the city, but also highlights Jordan’s readiness to become a leading venue for sports tournaments in the Middle East.

The country’s safe environment and modern infrastructure make it an attractive location for such events. Amman’s sports facilities are becoming increasingly popular for training camps and regional tournaments, enhancing the city’s reputation as a sports tourism destination. The combination of high-quality competition with the city’s cultural offerings is a key factor in the appeal of the growing sports tourism sector.

The role of Aqaba in the growth of the sports tourism sector

In addition to Amman, Aqaba, the Jordanian coastal city overlooking the Red Sea, is gaining ground as a sports tourism destination. Aqaba recently hosted the West Asian Under-17 Football Championship, following the success of the girls’ football tournament earlier in the year. With its beautiful beaches, excellent sporting venues and safe environment, Aqaba has proven to be an ideal location for international sporting events.

The city’s appeal goes beyond football, as Jordan continues to expand its sports tourism offering by hosting triathlons and other international sporting events. The combination of outdoor activities, high-level sporting facilities and natural beauty helps Aqaba stand out as a prime destination for both sports enthusiasts and adventure-seeking tourists.

A combination of sports and cultural tourism

Jordan’s appeal as a sports tourism destination extends beyond its sporting facilities. The country’s political stability and safe environment make it a preferred choice for teams and athletes from all over the world. However, Jordan’s true charm lies in its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, such as the ancient city of Petra, the picturesque Wadi Rum desert, and the healing waters of the Dead Sea. These popular attractions create an exceptional backdrop for sporting events, giving participants the opportunity to experience high-level competition and unforgettable cultural exploration.

This seamless integration between sports and tourism has become a key aspect of Jordan’s strategy. Major sporting events are an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich history and natural wonders to a global audience. Athletes and their teams often take the opportunity to explore Jordan’s famous landmarks, increasing tourism and supporting the local economy.

Investing in sports infrastructure to stimulate tourism

Jordan’s growth as a center for sports tourism was not a coincidence, but rather the result of significant investments in sports infrastructure. The country works closely with international and regional sports federations to host events that attract global attention. Amman, for example, is quickly becoming a regular stop for sports teams from around the world, hosting everything from training camps to international tournaments. The combination of excellent facilities and a welcoming environment makes the city a prime destination for sports enthusiasts.

This investment is starting to pay off, with teams coming to Jordan not only to compete but also to train in the best stadiums. The city’s reputation as a sporting destination continues to grow, attracting athletes from around the world who are eager to take advantage of the world-class sporting facilities while exploring the rich cultural heritage that Jordan has to offer.

Athletes are ambassadors for Jordanian tourism

The athletes themselves play a pivotal role in promoting Jordan as a travel destination. Many teams share their experiences and showcase the country’s cultural treasures on social media, helping to create an organic exposure for Jordan’s tourism sector. These endorsements from athletes highlight Jordan’s unique mix of modern sports infrastructure and ancient landmarks, encouraging fans to visit and experience the country’s attractions.

Along with their professional achievements, athletes who train and compete in Jordan often become ambassadors for the country, sharing positive stories about their experiences. The combination of the country’s integrity, warm hospitality and scenic beauty fosters lasting memories that keep athletes coming back, whether for future competitions or recreational visits.

The economic and cultural impact of sports tourism

Jordan’s investment in sports tourism is also a major driver of economic growth. Hosting high-level sporting events attracts not only athletes and teams, but also spectators who contribute to the local tourism business. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services and retail establishments benefit from the influx of visitors, while cultural sites also see an increase in traffic.

By combining sports and tourism, Jordan is positioning itself as a unique destination that offers more than just world-class sporting events. The country’s ability to host international competitions while providing opportunities for cultural exploration creates a compelling reason for visitors to choose Jordan as their preferred destination.

The future of sports tourism in Jordan

As Jordan continues to develop its sports tourism sector, its reputation as a destination for both athletes and tourists is poised to grow. By leveraging its modern facilities, rich cultural heritage and safe environment, the Kingdom is establishing itself as a leading player in the sports tourism scene in the Middle East.

With more international sporting events on the horizon, Jordan is expected to remain a top destination for world-class competitions and unforgettable cultural experiences. As the country continues to invest in the sports tourism sector, it will provide athletes, fans and tourists alike the opportunity to explore a unique blend of high-level sporting events and exceptional cultural experiences, all in one destination.