AMMAN — The ancient city of Petra recorded clear signs of a gradual recovery in tourism during 2025, with total visitor numbers rising to 582,550, compared with 457,215 in 2024, reflecting renewed confidence in the site as a global tourist destination.

 

According to official statistics issued by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), the number of foreign visitors increased by 45 per cent last year, reaching 373,752, accounting for the largest share of total visitors.

 

October recorded the highest monthly turnout, with 81,069 visitors, while December saw a notable increase of 95 per cent compared with the same month in 2024 and 75 per cent compared with December 2023, indicating improved bookings and end-of-year tourism programmes.

 

Jordanian visitors topped the list by nationality, with 161,490 visitors, while 73,752 visitors arrived through organised trips under the “Urdunna Jannah” programme, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

 

Among foreign visitors, US nationals ranked first with 53,797 visitors, followed by Russians (32,259), Britons (28,047), French (26,792), Italians (26,311), Spanish (19,690), Germans (17,782), Indians (12,793), Polish (12,239), Turkish (9,102), Indonesians (8,476), South Koreans (8,078), Chinese (7,949), Canadians (7,340), Australians (6,698), Romanians (6,392), Mexicans (6,368), Dutch (6,062) and Japanese (5,295).

 

PDTRA Chief Commissioner Fares Braizat said that the revival of tourism activity would boost the authority’s revenues, enabling the implementation of development projects, the creation of job opportunities for the local community, and support for tourism service providers, including tour guides, camel and horse associations, hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops.

 

Braizat added that the authority has continued to upgrade tourism services and infrastructure and regulate visitor movement within the archaeological site to preserve its historical value, while promoting sustainable development through the expansion of tourism trails and the introduction of new routes and visitor experiences.