AMMAN — Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) Ramzi Maaytah said that Jordan’s inclusion in the US “Global Entry” programme marks a significant step towards facilitating travel to the US and strengthening tourism ties between the two countries.

 

In a statement released by the board on Wednesday, Maaytah said the joint announcement by Jordan and the US earlier this month on the Kingdom’s accession to the programme, which expedites entry procedures for pre-approved travellers, is expected to yield substantial tourism benefits.

 

He said the move reflects the depth of the Jordanian-American strategic partnership, noting that the achievement comes as a result of the royal vision and the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah to enhance Jordan’s international standing and support economic and tourism growth.

 

Maaytah noted that the programme would offer Jordanian travellers to the US significant advantages, particularly ahead of the participation of the national football team in the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, with matches taking place in 11 US cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Boston and New York.

 

He added that Jordan’s accession underscores its reputation as a stable and secure destination in the Middle East, boosting confidence among international travellers and supporting the Tourism Board’s efforts to promote the Kingdom and enhance its global competitiveness.

 

Maaytah said Royal Jordanian is also expected to benefit from the move, as the number of Jordanian travellers to the US is likely to increase, potentially boosting direct flights between Jordan and several US cities.

 

He added that the decision would strengthen cooperation with US travel companies and help open new international markets, positioning Jordan as a trusted tourism partner.

 

“The programme is available to only a limited number of Arab countries, giving Jordan a strategic advantage on the regional and global tourism map,” Maaytah said, noting that easing entry to the US will benefit both frequent travellers and fans attending major international events, including the FIFA World Cup.

 

The Global Entry programme allows enrolled Jordanian travellers to reduce waiting times and streamline entry procedures at US airports through dedicated electronic kiosks, bypassing lengthy queues.