
Al-Braizat and Abu Danneh Emphasize Importance of Integrating Key Archaeological Sites into Petra's Tourism Routes
--- (Petra )
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Roya News
6 days ago
- Roya News
The best time to visit Jordan… hotels at the lowest prices in Petra and the Dead Sea
Petra, the 'Rose City,' and Dead Sea hotels in Jordan are experiencing price cuts and are offering accommodation deals at a range of hotels. These reduced prices offer opportunities to host tourist groups from around the world, enjoy the summer atmosphere, and access Jordan's most prominent archaeological and tourist sites. Jordan's 5-star hotels, most of which operate under international hotel brands, are distinguished by their high-quality hospitality services, their extensive understanding of the needs of foreign tourists, and their provision of an unparalleled tourist experience. Petra is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and contains many archaeological sites dating back to the Nabataean civilization. This city is carved into the rocks. It is also famous for the Siq, which extends between a rocky cleft leading to the heart of the Rose City and the Treasury Square. On the other side, there are many historical landmarks. The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world, and it has a special advantage in terms of treatment and medical tourism. The Dead Sea is one of the most important tourist areas for environmental healing in the world. It is characterized by a group of natural factors that have made it a competitive position in the region in the field of medical tourism and healing. This is due to its unique climatic characteristics, whether it is free of humidity, or it contains sulfur springs that make it qualified to treat many diseases, especially skin diseases, which are widespread, as the number of those afflicted with them in Europe reaches 25 million patients, in addition to treating rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the Dead Sea area possesses important elements for tourist attraction, not only in medical tourism, but also in its distinction in entertainment tourism and environmental tourism. The World Health Organization's designation of the Dead Sea region as a global center for the treatment of many skin diseases in 2011 demonstrates the region's importance in medical tourism. Many hotels located on the Dead Sea coast offer natural treatments based on the region's unique natural properties, without the use of any chemical medications. Numerous studies confirm that the Dead Sea region, with its therapeutic benefits, can generate the greatest financial return for tourism in Jordan, given that the incidence of skin diseases ranges between 1 and 3% of the population. Conference tourism at the Dead Sea has also witnessed significant development in recent times. The Dead Sea region has become a hub for this type of tourism, organizing conferences, seminars, and meetings at all levels, locally, regionally, and internationally. Specialized entities are responsible for organizing these meetings and conferences, providing services that go beyond the official aspect of the conference, but also include tourism and entertainment services for participants. Jordan established the Dead Sea Conference and Exhibition Company in 2003 with the participation of a group of Jordanian and Arab investors. The company's first project was the construction of the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center, which hosts major regional and international events and conferences. This project has contributed to placing Jordan on the global map for business and investment forums, as the center has hosted the World Economic Forum more than once. Jordan annually organizes a Dead Sea running marathon, with the participation of thousands of citizens and tourists, starting from Amman and ending at the touristic Amman beach overlooking the Dead Sea. This event is held to support brain and nerve patients in the Kingdom. Dead Sea Laboratories also produces numerous cosmetics made from minerals extracted from its mud. These products are available in stores throughout Jordan, or can be ordered online and delivered anywhere in the world, so visitors can continue to enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea long after they return home. The most prominent hotels in Petra: Crowne Plaza Petra Hotel Mövenpick Resort Petra Marriott Petra Dead Sea Hotels Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Marriott Dead Sea Dead Sea Spa Hotel Hilton Dead Sea Resort Grand East الوسوم نسخ الرابط تم نسخ الرابط


Jordan Times
04-08-2025
- Jordan Times
Petra attracts nearly 291,000 visitors in seven months, majority foreign tourists
AMMAN — The ancient city of Petra has welcomed approximately 291,000 visitors during the first seven months of 2025, with foreigners making up the majority, according to official data cited by the Al Mamlaka TV. Foreign tourists accounted for 193,061 visitors, representing 66 per cent of the total, with Jordanians and Arab tourists making up the remaining 34 per cent with 78,889 and 19,219 visitors respectively. In July alone, Petra recorded 29,000 visitors, according to official figures, with tourism in the ancient city declining by 61 per cent in 2025 compared to last year. Figures from the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) show that Petra has attracted nearly 9.8 million visitors since 2010. Visitor numbers peaked in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 1.14 million tourists and, in 2023, tourism rose to 1.17 million until the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October, after which the numbers plummeted. Last year, visitor numbers fell sharply to 457,215, a 61 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023, according to PDTRA figures. PDTRA Chairman Fares Braizat said on Sunday that the ancient city has witnessed a sharp decline in tourist numbers, leading to the closure of 32 hotels, amounting to 2,000 rooms, and the loss of 700 jobs. 'Petra is one of the most affected tourist sites by the decline in visitor numbers due to the war on Gaza and its repercussions on the region,' Braizat told members of the Lower House committees. He added that approximately 38,000 residents of Petra rely either directly or indirectly on the tourism industry, and have been hit hard by what he described as a 'crisis.' To mitigate the impact, tourism-related professions have been temporarily exempted from licensing requirements, and some tenants have been relieved of rent dues for 2024, Braizat noted. Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) Director General Abdel Razzak Arabiyat echoed the concerns, saying there has been 'almost a complete decline of tourism in Jordan' following the outbreak of war in Gaza. 'Petra, which heavily relies on tourists from Europe and the United States, has been particularly affected,' he said. 'The repercussions are felt daily, especially by those working in tourism services,' Arabiyat told Al Mamlaka TV. He cited plummeting numbers of Western visitors, which have negatively impacted hotels, tour guides, travel agencies, and transport operators in the Petra region. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Saturday announced a new set of tours under the "Urdunnah Jannah" programme aimed at revitalizing Petra's tourism sector. The initiative will organize overnight stays in the city as part of a broader review of the programme in light of regional developments. The ministry said the new tour package, funded with JD1.5 million from the programme budget, in addition to contributions from participants, is part of ongoing efforts to support local communities and boost tourism recovery in Petra.

Ammon
10-07-2025
- Ammon
Petra lights up in Mexican colors to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
Ammon News - The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) illuminated the iconic Treasury monument in the colors of the Mexican flag on Wednesday evening, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Mexico. The gesture, described as symbolic yet significant, formed part of a broader celebration highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two nations. The event underscored a shared commitment to cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration across a range of sectors. Speaking at the ceremony, PDTRA Chairman Fares Braizat emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships. "Petra is a universal symbol of human and civilizational heritage," he said. "We are honored that it serves as the backdrop for this occasion, which reflects the depth of Jordanian-Mexican relations." Braizat noted that the lighting of the Treasury not only commemorates the historical milestone but also reaffirms Jordan's commitment to fostering global cooperation, particularly in tourism, culture, and sustainable development. Officials said the initiative aims to boost cultural exchange and promote Petra as a platform for international engagement. The event also serves to highlight the city's role as a cultural and tourism bridge between civilizations. As part of efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, PDTRA is currently working with Mexican authorities to finalize a partnership agreement between Petra and Chichen Itza, both recognized as the New Seven Wonders of the World. The planned agreement will focus on collaborative tourism marketing, knowledge exchange in heritage site preservation, and the development of joint projects that support sustainable tourism and raise the international profile of both cities. Jordan and Mexico established formal diplomatic ties in 1975. Since then, relations have steadily grown, with increased cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.