Easter boosts local commerce, tourism

AMMAN - The Easter holiday has turned into a busy season for local tourism and commerce in Jordan, as festive crowds filled churches, shops, restaurants, and hotels across cities and historic towns like Madaba and Fuheis.

“People have been buying Easter-themed gifts and holiday clothing,” said Sofia Jaradat, owner of a boutique in Amman. “The foot traffic has been incredible this week.”

Restaurants and bakeries have also reported a significant uptick in demand. Reem Elias, who works at a bakery in Khalda, noted a surge in orders for Easter sweets. “Demand has increased by 40 per cent since last Wednesday,” she said.

Meanwhile, churches across the country, particularly in Madaba, welcomed large congregations for Easter services and community activities.

“Easter is a time of hope and community,” said Elias Tadrous, 43, speaking to The Jordan Times. He noted that this year’s celebrations reflected not only deep spiritual engagement but also growing economic momentum.

For many Jordanian families, Easter remains a rare occasion for large gatherings and local travel.

Sumaia Khouri, a mother of two from Amman, said Easter is one of the few times each year when her extended family comes together. “We visited Madaba and spent the weekend in a local hotel run by a Jordanian family,” she added.