Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The European Commission has launched a EUR 1.6 million Twinning initiative to strengthen Jordan’s tourism sector by enhancing the institutional and coordination capacities of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The programme supports sustainable tourism policy design aligned with EU standards and Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. Only EU Member State public administrations and mandated bodies are eligible to apply.

The European Commission has introduced a strategic Twinning programme to support Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) in modernizing its governance, strengthening policy-making, and aligning tourism development with EU standards. This initiative aims to accelerate Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision through improved institutional capacities and sustainable sector reforms.

Purpose of the Programme

The call seeks to:

• Strengthen MoTA’s ability to design, implement and monitor sustainable tourism policies

• Improve institutional coordination across tourism and heritage governance

• Align national frameworks with EU best practices

• Support long-term sector resilience and modernization

This initiative functions as an institutional capacity-building platform, enabling MoTA to better engage with national reforms and partner-supported tourism development efforts.

Strategic Policy Context

The programme is grounded in key Jordanian laws and frameworks, including:

• Tourism Law – Licensing, regulation and responsibilities for tourism operators

• Antiquities Law – Heritage protection and duties of the Department of Antiquities

• Jordan Tourism Board Regulation – Destination marketing roles

• Public-Private Partnership Law – Collaboration frameworks for infrastructure and services

• Environmental and municipal governance laws – Sustainable destination management

• National tourism strategies & Economic Modernization Vision – Long-term development direction

These frameworks ensure that Twinning support is anchored in established national priorities.

Why This Initiative Matters

This Twinning project is important because it:

• Enhances institutional readiness within MoTA

• Improves regulatory frameworks in line with EU standards

• Supports sustainable tourism governance

• Enables more effective coordination among public, private and development sectors

• Serves as a foundational step for broader tourism modernization efforts in Jordan

While important, the programme is not expected to achieve the entire sector transformation alone—multiple investments and reforms will work alongside it.

Funding and Timeline

• Total budget: EUR 1,600,000

• Implementation period: Up to 24 months

• Funding modality: EU Twinning instrument

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is strictly limited to:

• Public administrations of EU Member States

• Mandated bodies from EU Member States

Applications must be submitted through national contact points following the EU Twinning Manual.

What the Programme Will Support

The Twinning initiative focuses on:

• Institutional capacity-building

• Policy formulation aligned with EU norms

• Monitoring and evaluation systems for tourism governance

• Strengthening coordination mechanisms across agencies

• Integrating sustainability into tourism planning and management

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Review eligibility
   Confirm your institution is a public administration or mandated body from an EU Member State.

2. Engage your national contact point
   All applications must be coordinated through national Twinning contact points.

3. Study the EU Twinning Manual
   This manual outlines required formats, procedures and administrative steps.

4. Develop a Twinning proposal
   Include:

   • Institutional strengths

   • Capacity-building plan

   • Alignment with Jordan’s tourism frameworks

   • Methodology and workplan

   • Expected results within 24 months

5. Submit through the official Twinning system
   Only complete, compliant proposals will be considered.

6. Participate in evaluation
   Shortlisted Member States may be invited to further discussions before award.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without using the national contact point

• Proposals that do not clearly align with EU standards or Jordan’s policy frameworks

• Weak institutional capacity explanations

• Overly ambitious activities beyond the 24-month period

• Lack of measurable outputs or monitoring mechanisms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main objective of this Twinning project?

To strengthen MoTA’s institutional capacity to design, implement and monitor tourism policies aligned with EU standards.

2. Who can apply?

Only EU Member State public administrations and mandated bodies.

3. What is the budget?

The total available budget is EUR 1,600,000.

4. What is the duration of the project?

The implementation period is up to 24 months.

5. Does the initiative cover infrastructure or construction?

No. Twinning focuses on institutional capacity-building, not physical infrastructure.

6. Why is MoTA the target institution?

MoTA is central to Jordan’s tourism governance and requires stronger coordination and policy-making tools to support national tourism reforms.

7. Is this project expected to reform the entire tourism sector?

No. It is one component of a much broader modernization agenda that requires multiple partners and investments.

Conclusion

The EU Twinning programme offers a significant opportunity to reinforce Jordan’s tourism sector by building the capacity of its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. With a clear focus on EU-aligned policies, institutional strengthening and sustainable governance, the initiative supports Jordan’s long-term vision of a competitive, resilient and well-regulated tourism ecosystem.

For more information, visit European Commission.