03 Apr
2019

Jordan has it all

Jordan has it all: heart-warming hospitality, spectacular heritage, warm seas and now a new route from London, so no wonder it’s on ABTA’s list of 12 destinations to watch in 2019. 

Packed with historical and natural wonders, from the ancient cities of Petra and Jerash to the magnificent desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, the world’s oldest natural spa. Jordan is an ideal holiday destination for travellers of all tastes.

With so much spectacular heritage, it’s no surprise that Jordan regularly features on the silver screen. The iconic façade of Petra’s Treasury is recognizable across the world, while the red sand and otherworldly rock formations of Wadi Rum regularly act as Mars and other alien planets. Look out for it appearing in the next Star Wars film in December 2019. 

 

As one of the most welcoming countries in the Middle East, Jordan has been recognised countless times as a must-visit destination by travel experts and it was featured in ABTA Travel Trends 2019 report and more people than ever before are waking up to the charms and wonder of this unique destination. 

If you’re looking to book a trip to Jordan, get in touch with an ABTA approved travel company for their help and expertise in booking your travel arrangements.

New routes from London
Until late 2018, UK residents only had the option of flying into Jordan’s capital city, Amman, but from November a new, non-stop route from London Gatwick to Aqaba, operated by easyJet, has opened up the south of the country to British travellers. This historic Port City is the perfect location to base your holiday as it features beaches, trails, and snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Aqaba – high-class developments and world-class diving
While Jordan’s history still captivates visitors, as it has done for centuries, in recent years the country has embraced the future with a number of developments to enthral a new generation of travellers. Amman, entices travellers with its buzzing food and drink scene, while Aqaba has seen new developments opening including five-star resorts, golf courses, lagoons, and a high-class convention centre. This modern twist on the Middle East brings no shortage of activities to try!

With an average year-round temperature ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius, Aqaba is the perfect location to take advantage of the clear, warm waters of the Red Sea, without many of the crowds in other resort destinations. Divers and snorkelers alike will enjoy the chance to explore the coral formations, while wrecks provide plenty of interest for divers.  One of Aqaba's newest dive sites is the C130-Hercules plane wreck – a retired aircraft sunk, which into the Gulf of Aqaba in November 2017. 

Aside from spending time in the water, there is plenty more to do in and around Aqaba. Located in the southern-most part of Jordan, Aqaba is an ideal hub to be able to travel back and forth between other places around the country. This resort town is the perfect base to explore two of Jordan’s most famous and spectacular sites: just an easy one-hour drive to Wadi Rum and two-hour drive to the rose-red city of Petra and just a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Dead Sea and capital, Amman. 
 

Visiting Jordan is as much about experiencing local food and culture, as it is about seeing the sights. When staying in somewhere such as Aqaba, don’t forget to venture out to explore the city – head to the Old Town to wander the traditional ‘souk’ or Arabian marketplace, where you can find rows of stalls offering everything from spices and fresh produce to furniture and trinkets. Stop off for delicious local cuisines such as hummus and falafel or explore the historic ruins of the ancient Islamic town of Ayla and Aqaba Fort.
 

 

What makes Jordan so special is not only the sights and experiences but the Jordanian people. Whether you find yourself basking in the sun on the beach in Aqaba, exploring the ancient city of Petra, or taking in the view of the vast desert Wadi Rum, you can be sure to meet the most hospitable, helpful locals. 

Book your travel arrangements with an ABTA Member to experience all Jordan has to offer. Visit: abta.com/findamember 
 

Travel Trends 2019

Travel Trends brings together news and insights from ABTA Members, market information and ABTA research, offering a review of the last 12 months and looking ahead to 2019.

Travel with confidence

At ABTA, we know just how important holidays are – a vital chance to relax and recharge, spend quality time with loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our number one piece of advice is to rely on the expertise of an ABTA member – let them make your dreams come true!