Jordanian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Dr. Emad Hijazeen met with Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency General Manager Sinan Seha Türkseven in Istanbul on 22 October 2026. The meeting served as a formal discussion regarding a potential tourism partnership between Jordan and Turkey. Both officials assessed opportunities to increase travel cooperation and enhance promotional efforts between the two nations. Dr. Emad Hijazeen and Sinan Seha Türkseven examined specific strategies to align their respective tourism sectors during the session. This dialogue marks the latest step in diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through the hospitality industry. Discussions remain focused on developing joint initiatives that benefit both Jordanian and Turkish travel markets.
Delegation and Strategic Cooperation
Jordan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Hazem Al-Khatib Al-Tamimi, joined the discussions alongside representatives from the Jordan Hotel Association and the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association to provide industry-specific expertise. These stakeholders evaluated the operational logistics required to align private sector interests with government objectives. Their participation focused on identifying technical requirements for mutual tourism development and improving service standards for travelers moving between the two countries. The inclusion of these representatives ensured that the perspectives of hoteliers and tour operators were integrated into the primary framework of the proposed partnership. By involving these professional associations, the Jordanian delegation aimed to establish a cohesive roadmap that addresses the practical needs of the hospitality sector while maintaining high standards for international guests.
Jordanian officials proposed this initiative to increase the total number of Turkish visitors traveling to Jordan. Planners intend to use Istanbul as a strategic gateway for reaching broader European and Asian source markets, aiming to channel international travelers through Turkish flight networks into Jordan. The strategy rests on the integration of marketing resources to boost visibility for Jordanian heritage sites among these international demographics. By leveraging the existing infrastructure of the Turkish aviation and tourism sectors, officials believe they can create more efficient travel corridors. This approach is intended to streamline the booking and transit processes for tourists who wish to visit multiple regional destinations, thereby increasing the overall appeal of Jordan as a primary travel location.
Security conditions remain a component of the broader regional environment affecting tourism planning. A drone attack targeted Tower 22 in Jordan in January 2024. The impact of such security incidents continues to influence the risk assessments conducted by tourism operators and government agencies when scheduling international travel and promoting destinations in the region. As officials from both nations continue their dialogue, these security considerations are factored into the development of long-term tourism infrastructure. The ongoing assessment of safety protocols is designed to provide greater assurance to travelers and stakeholders involved in the proposed partnership. By addressing these concerns directly, the ministries seek to maintain a stable environment that supports the growth of the tourism sector despite the complexities of the current regional landscape. The collaboration between the Jordan Hotel Association, the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association, and their Turkish counterparts remains central to these efforts, as they work to align operational goals with the overarching security and development objectives set forth by their respective governments.
