Jordans Petra Sees Significant Decline in Tourist Numbers Following Regional Tensions

Jordan’s Petra Sees Devastating Impact from Middle East Conflict

The ancient city of Petra in Jordan has been largely deserted since the start of the war in Iran in late February. Foreign tourists have largely disappeared, leaving souvenir sellers and local guides without customers. Ruslana Novak, a Ukrainian tourist, visited Petra with her friend, describing it as safe and beautiful despite being from Ukraine, which has experienced its own conflict.

At the site’s entrance, Khalid al-Saidat, a souvenir seller, reported that the war had led to an 80-90% drop in tourism. The collapse of tourism is reflected in the idle donkeys and horses that usually transport tourists through the valley. Al-Saidat stated that his colleagues open their stalls every day without knowing if they will earn enough to live on.

Tourism accounts for 14% of Jordan’s gross domestic product, with 60,000 people directly employed in the sector and another 300,000 dependent on it. Last year, more than seven million visitors generated $7.8 billion in revenue. The Petra tourism authority reported that visitor numbers dropped to between 28,000 and 30,000 in March and April.

Authorities have launched a scheme to encourage domestic tourism, but its impact remains negligible. Jordan’s army has reported that debris from drones and missiles has fallen on the kingdom since the start of the war. The country does not host any foreign military bases but has limited contingents from several countries under collective defense agreements.

The crisis in Petra has affected local guides, with 1,400 licensed guides facing a crisis due to the lack of customers. Souvenir seller Ibrahim al-Atmeh reported that his hopes for an excellent spring season were “gone”.

Source: Al Jazeera