Petra, Dec. 31 (Petra) -- The ancient city of Petra has recorded its highest single-day visitor count since 2023, signaling a robust recovery for Jordan’s tourism sector and a renewed vote of international confidence in the Kingdom’s premier archaeological site.
Official data released by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) shows that a total of 3,986 visitors entered the site on Tuesday. The figure was dominated by 3,723 international tourists, alongside 139 Arab visitors, 45 residents, and 79 Jordanians.
PDTRA Chief Commissioner Fares Braizat described the numbers as a pivotal indicator of the industry’s resilience. He noted that the heavy concentration of international arrivals reflects a significant restoration of trust among global travel markets, positioning Petra once again as a top-tier destination for world travelers.
Speaking to Petra, Braizat highlighted a diverse demographic spread: Italy led the influx with 736 visitors, followed by Russia (404), Spain (373), the United States (361), France (229), and the United Kingdom (212). The site also saw notable arrivals from India, Bulgaria, Indonesia, and Germany, a trend Braizat attributed to the reactivation of global tour itineraries that had previously been sidelined.
The Chief Commissioner linked this resurgence to the cessation of regional hostilities, combined with intensive government promotion, streamlined coordination with security authorities, and a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards at the site.
The authority is now shifting its focus toward the growing "family tourism" segment – both international and domestic. Braizat emphasized that the PDTRA is actively upgrading facilities and diversifying services to cater to families, with the goal of encouraging longer stays and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Looking ahead, Braizat expressed optimism for the first quarter of 2026. With international tour operators ramping up their programs and demand from large-scale groups on the rise, the authority expects visitor numbers to maintain an upward trajectory through February and into the peak spring season. He reaffirmed the PDTRA’s dual mandate of supporting the tourism industry while ensuring that the sector continues to drive economic and social development for Petra’s local communities.
//Petra// NQ
