Petra , Feb 9 (Petra) -- Tourism in the city of Petra is picking up, with visitor numbers rising and nearing 2019 record levels, according to officials and stakeholders.
Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Chief Commissioner Fares Braizat told Petra in an interview that the number of visitors last month came close to figures recorded in the same month of 2019, which recorded a record 1.179 million.
Petra welcomed 54,065 visitors last month, compared with 56,559 visitors in January, 2019, known as the "million-visitor year," Braizat said, noting that the figures are a positive indicator of recovery from the impact of regional challenges in the past period.
Current indicators point to a return of tourism momentum, driven by the resumption of global tour operators including Petra in their itineraries, diversification of tourism products, and improved quality of services offered to visitors, commented Tourism expert Ibrahim Twaissi.
Twaisi said the diversity of experiences combining archaeological sites, nature, and local culture has contributed to extending tourists’ stay, boosting spending and stimulating sectors supporting tourism in Petra District.
Investor Mousa Suleiman said hotel occupancy rates have increased noticeably since the start of the year, stressing that improved tourism activity has positively impacted existing investments, supported the local economy, and created job opportunities for local residents.
He said hotels began preparing for upcoming seasons, raising staffing levels and upgrading services in anticipation of higher visitor numbers in the coming months.
Adla Issa, a heritage kitchen owner, said restaurant activity has increased significantly in parallel with a rise in tourist arrivals, adding that demand for traditional cuisine has become an integral part of the visitor experience and supports small tourism-related enterprises.
Residents said recovery started to positively impact various service and commercial sectors, stressing the importance of continued development of services within the archaeological site.
They said coordination between relevant authorities and the local community is key to safeguarding the historical value of Petra and reinforcing the Rose City's standing as a model of sustainable tourism that balances heritage preservation with local economic development.
//Petra// NQ
