Jordan welcomed more British travellers than ever before in 2018, with visitor numbers increasing by 21 per cent compared to the same period in 2017.

In total 50,449 Brits visited the Middle Eastern destination last year.

Growing adventure activities and tours, rapid development in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, and new cultural initiatives in the buzzing capital, Amman, have all helped to attract travellers to explore the Jordan beyond the headline sites of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

Last year also saw the launch of new direct easyJet flights from London Gatwick to the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea, starting in November, attracting new travellers to the south of the country.

With the opening of new hotels at resorts such as Ayla and spectacular diving and snorkelling, Aqaba is rapidly becoming a viable winter sun alternative in the Red Sea region.

With the country set to take centre stage as the star of major Hollywood blockbuster’s including the live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin, and Star Wars: Episode IX, as well as the opening of new resorts and hotels around Aqaba and a growing movement for local travel experiences, 2019 is set to be another positive year for Jordan.

Abed Al-Razzaq, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, commented: “We are delighted to once again see an increase in British travellers to visit our country, demonstrating the appeal of the many memorable experiences we have to offer in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

“In addition to the wealth of natural wonders, cultural sights and adventure activities, in 2019 the country will star on the big screen, something we hope attracts more visitors to discover Jordan.”