The ancient city of Petra witnessed a notable rebound in tourist activity during April 2025, according to official statistics released by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA).
A total of 74,346 visitors from various nationalities explored the rose-red city during the month, compared to 52,181 visitors in April 2024. International tourist numbers saw significant growth, reaching 50,840, up from 30,799 the previous year. The number of Jordanian visitors stood at 17,131, including 4,424 participants in the “Our Jordan is Paradise” (Urdununa Jannah) program, while 3,722 Arab tourists visited the site.
Top foreign nationalities included American, Italian, French, Russian, British, German, and Spanish visitors. Among Arab tourists, Saudis topped the list.
These figures reflect positive signs of recovery in Petra's tourism sector, especially after a sharp decline in visitors last year—when April 2024 recorded only 52,181 visitors, down from 146,687 in April 2023, including over 126,000 foreign tourists.
Dr. Fares Breizat, Chief Commissioner of PDTRA, told Petra News Agency that Petra is regaining its status as a key tourism destination in the region, following regional instability that began in October 2023.
He noted that the Authority is actively implementing a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience—upgrading public facilities, expanding hotel services, and training local staff in tourism-related fields. He stressed that tourism in Petra is no longer just about short visits; it now plays a significant role in local economic and social development, benefiting all six communities within the Petra region.
Breizat highlighted that the rise in April visitor numbers signals a promising season ahead, supported by growing global interest in cultural and heritage tourism, and Petra's strong standing on the world tourism map.
He attributed the increase in international arrivals partly to new government travel facilitation measures, expanded flight connections with European cities, and the resumption of low-cost flights, which have helped reinvigorate the sector.
Additionally, the Authority has made strides in organizing the archaeological site and minimizing violations that once negatively impacted the visitor experience and the city’s global image. The ongoing “Rule of Law and Development” campaign, launched in December 2023, aims to maintain a safe and well-regulated environment at the site—enhancing tourism sustainability, visitor confidence, and local benefit.
Breizat reaffirmed the PDTRA’s strategic vision to transform the region into an integrated tourism and development hub, combining heritage preservation with job creation, investment opportunities, and equitable development across all communities.
He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure excellent services for visitors and sustained growth in the tourism sector, strengthening Jordan’s global reputation.
Several visitors expressed admiration for Petra’s beauty, the high level of services, and the well-organized experience—saying the visit exceeded their expectations.
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The ancient city of Petra witnessed a notable rebound in tourist activity during April 2025, according to official statistics released by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA).
A total of 74,346 visitors from various nationalities explored the rose-red city during the month, compared to 52,181 visitors in April 2024. International tourist numbers saw significant growth, reaching 50,840, up from 30,799 the previous year. The number of Jordanian visitors stood at 17,131, including 4,424 participants in the “Our Jordan is Paradise” (Urdununa Jannah) program, while 3,722 Arab tourists visited the site.
Top foreign nationalities included American, Italian, French, Russian, British, German, and Spanish visitors. Among Arab tourists, Saudis topped the list.
These figures reflect positive signs of recovery in Petra's tourism sector, especially after a sharp decline in visitors last year—when April 2024 recorded only 52,181 visitors, down from 146,687 in April 2023, including over 126,000 foreign tourists.
Dr. Fares Breizat, Chief Commissioner of PDTRA, told Petra News Agency that Petra is regaining its status as a key tourism destination in the region, following regional instability that began in October 2023.
He noted that the Authority is actively implementing a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience—upgrading public facilities, expanding hotel services, and training local staff in tourism-related fields. He stressed that tourism in Petra is no longer just about short visits; it now plays a significant role in local economic and social development, benefiting all six communities within the Petra region.
Breizat highlighted that the rise in April visitor numbers signals a promising season ahead, supported by growing global interest in cultural and heritage tourism, and Petra's strong standing on the world tourism map.
He attributed the increase in international arrivals partly to new government travel facilitation measures, expanded flight connections with European cities, and the resumption of low-cost flights, which have helped reinvigorate the sector.
Additionally, the Authority has made strides in organizing the archaeological site and minimizing violations that once negatively impacted the visitor experience and the city’s global image. The ongoing “Rule of Law and Development” campaign, launched in December 2023, aims to maintain a safe and well-regulated environment at the site—enhancing tourism sustainability, visitor confidence, and local benefit.
Breizat reaffirmed the PDTRA’s strategic vision to transform the region into an integrated tourism and development hub, combining heritage preservation with job creation, investment opportunities, and equitable development across all communities.
He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure excellent services for visitors and sustained growth in the tourism sector, strengthening Jordan’s global reputation.
Several visitors expressed admiration for Petra’s beauty, the high level of services, and the well-organized experience—saying the visit exceeded their expectations.
