Petra - Seventeen years after its designation as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra continues to mesmerize with its unique blend of history, culture, and tourism. This ancient city, with a history spanning nearly 3,000 years, stands as a beautiful artistic masterpiece recognized worldwide. Renowned for its distinctive historical and cultural monuments and its rare natural greenery, Petra remains a global treasure.
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Petra exemplifies rich ancient Arab culture, attracting millions of tourists from around the world over the past years. To mark the 17th anniversary of Petra's recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority celebrated by illuminating the main path of the Rose City from the Visitor Center through the Siq, the Treasury, the Theater, and up to the Court. The celebration featured folkloric performances and popular bands in the tourist street area and the center of Wadi Musa on Sunday evening.
The festivities included the lighting of Petra's landmarks, such as the Treasury, the Theater, and the Court, from both inside and outside. A light show depicting the Seven Wonders and forming the number 7 in front of the Treasury was a highlight.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority invited the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Al-Qaisi, several ambassadors from key tourism markets, and Jean-Paul de La Fuente, Director of the New Seven Wonders organization, to showcase the region's unique tourism features and promote them internationally.
Fares Brizat, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Region Authority, stated that celebrating Petra as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is a tradition. This event is part of the Authority's efforts to develop and market the city locally, regionally, and globally by enhancing tourism services through the establishment of tourist routes, informative signage, and employee training to provide the best services and protect the site.
Brizat highlighted the Authority's comprehensive plan to advance Petra in all aspects, working with partners to optimally market the city and address the tourism sector's challenges caused by the decline in tourist numbers due to the Gaza conflict.
Jean-Paul de La Fuente, Director of the New Seven Wonders organization, stated that Petra is a key partner in promoting global development and plays a vital role in enhancing global tourism and cultural experiences. He added that the Authority's celebration would further market the Rose City worldwide in collaboration with the New Seven Wonders organization.
Petra was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, marking the beginning of its international recognition. In 2007, it was crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, after competing with over 21 global sites, becoming the second Wonder of the World. Due to its distinctive status and numerous unique landmarks, it has become a top tourist destination for many celebrities and tourists. Today, it stands as Jordan's foremost symbol and the region's most attractive tourist site.
Since 2007, Petra has experienced fluctuations in tourist numbers depending on economic and political conditions. The city saw a significant increase in tourist numbers starting in 2018 and celebrated its first million visitors in 2019. However, tourist numbers dropped sharply in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only to surpass the million-visitor mark again in 2023. Yet, the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has caused significant hardship for Petra's tourism sector, leading to a substantial decrease in visitor numbers.
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