Latest news with #OurJordanisParadise
Jordan News
01-05-2025
- Jordan News
Petra Welcomes 74,000 Visitors in April Amid Signs of Tourism Recovery - Jordan News
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). اضافة اعلان 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.
Jordan News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Launch of the First Trips for 'Our Jordan is Paradise 2025' - Jordan News
On Thursday, the first trips of the "Our Jordan is Paradise 2025" program officially launched, following a temporary suspension in December 2024, according to Fadi Balaawi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. اضافة اعلان Balaawi had previously stated that the new season of the "Our Jordan is Paradise" program would begin in April. The official website for the program now lists new packages under the 2025 season, featuring destinations focused on local community experiences, nature, religious and cultural heritage, as well as entertainment activities. On Sunday, the Cabinet approved covering the cost of trips organized under the program until December 13, 2025, and waived entrance fees to archaeological sites for Jordanian citizens. It also exempted persons with disabilities from the cost of participating in the program. The decision aims to boost domestic tourism and encourage citizens to explore the country's diverse tourist destinations through 'Our Jordan is Paradise,' which offers a wide range of unique and affordable tourism experiences, supports local communities, and promotes the tourism sector. The program also contributes to the recovery of the tourism industry from past global challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It involves tourism offices in organizing and executing trips, and benefits various sectors including tourist transport, tour guides, restaurants, and campsites. Participants are provided with free transport aboard modern, fully equipped tourist buses departing from all governorates to the selected destinations. Each bus is accompanied by a licensed tour guide, and meals are also provided. The program achieved remarkable success in 2024, with 311,000 participants, reflecting growing interest in domestic tourism and citizens' confidence in the program as a unique and subsidized travel option. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities plans to further develop the initiative by expanding tourist destinations, improving services, and enhancing public-private partnerships to ensure the program's sustainability and broader economic and social impact across the Kingdom. Comprehensive information about how to benefit from the program is available through the Ministry's digital platforms and the official website for 'Our Jordan is Paradise.' Launched in May 2019, the program was developed in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board and has since evolved—except during the COVID-19 outbreak—to include even more diverse and enriching destinations.
Jordan News
12-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Tourism Minister: A Promising Start for the Sector in 2025 and Ongoing Success for 'Our Jordan is Paradise'
During her appearance on the 'Good Morning' program on Jordanian television yesterday, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that the beginning of 2025 has seen positive and promising indicators in the tourism sector. Visitor numbers increased by nearly 13%, while tourism income rose by about 16% by the end of February, reaching nearly 910 million dinars, with expectations of an additional increase estimated at 300 million dinars by March. اضافة اعلان She added that the success of the tourism sector in the kingdom is the result of collaborative work between the Ministry, the Jordan Tourism Board, the Department of Antiquities, the private sector, and the local community, emphasizing that the Jordanian citizen is a key partner in supporting, promoting, and preserving tourism. Anab highlighted the importance of local experiences in enhancing the Jordanian tourism product, praising the role of local communities in creating a unique human experience that leaves a deep impact on visitors. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Anab described the 'Our Jordan is Paradise' program as one of the Ministry's most prominent initiatives in supporting domestic tourism. The program has surpassed one million participants over the past years, with 311,000 participants in 2024 alone, contributing to the economic boost in the governorates and tourist sites affected by the decline in visitor numbers. She stressed that the development of the tourism product goes beyond the restoration of sites to include improvements in logistical services, such as health facilities and access methods, including enhancing accessible tourism for people with disabilities. She emphasized that everyone has the right to enjoy tourist sites. Additionally, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities highlighted the importance of listing Jordanian sites, such as Umm Jimal and Salt, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which enhances Jordan's international standing and encourages the distribution of visitors to various tourist sites across the kingdom. Minister Lina Anab also pointed to the notable success of the 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' exhibition, held between January and March, which was under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II and was visited by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The exhibition achieved a broad response, surpassing 10 million visits to the website and attracting about 12,000 actual visitors. She announced that the Ministry plans to turn the exhibition into a mobile version to be showcased at several local and international venues, reaffirming Jordan's position in religious tourism and cultural diversity.
