On Friday, the Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Authority, Fares Breizat, stated that the number of foreign visitors to Petra decreased by 5% during the first two months of this year compared to the same period last year.
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Breizat added that the vast majority of Petra’s visitors are foreign tourists. He mentioned positive indicators for visitor numbers in April and May of this year, noting that the second tourism season in Petra (for foreign visitors) starts in September and ends in November.
He highlighted that low-cost airlines are increasing visitor numbers to the archaeological city. He also pointed out that the region’s security stability contributes to boosting tourism in Jordan.
Speaking about investments in the archaeological city, Breizat stated that 1,455 hotel rooms are under construction in Petra, with the majority expected to be completed before the end of this year, including 11 hotels.
He added, "We may reach more than 5,000 hotel rooms in Petra by the end of 2025, and by the end of next year, there may be around 6,000 hotel rooms in Petra."
He also discussed the challenges facing tourism in the city, noting that by the end of last year, 14 hotels had been permanently closed, and employees were laid off. Additionally, there were hotels that partially closed and laid off staff.
"By July of last year, 36 hotels were closed, and 511 workers were laid off. The number has since decreased, but this still affects other service providers such as restaurants, souvenir vendors, and others," according to data from the Petra Development Region.
The number of tourists visiting the city was 39.5 thousand, compared to 41.5 thousand visitors during the same period last year.
Breizat spoke to "Al-Mamlaka" about positive consultations to increase the number of visitors to Petra in the coming months, with the return of low-cost flights.
