Petra: Plans are in motion to significantly increase the number of hotel rooms in Petra to 6,000 by 2026, from the current 3,700, as announced by Dr. Fares Breizat, head of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA). Despite existing challenges, investments are being made to accommodate the expected annual influx of 1.4 million visitors to Petra.
According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Breizat's comments were made during a dialogue session organized by the Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) to examine the tourism landscape in Petra, taking into account the current political climate and its effects on tourism in Jordan. The forum's head, Mazen Hamoud, stated that these discussions are part of JEF's ongoing efforts to highlight issues directly impacting the national economy.
In 2024, Petra's tourism sector faced substantial hurdles, experiencing a 74% decline in foreign visitor numbers compared to the previous year. This downturn has severely impacted the PDTRA's budget and the local community's tourism sectors. The hotel industry, in particular, has been hit hard, with 14 hotels remaining closed and 478 workers currently unemployed.
Breizat emphasized the importance of diversifying tourist offerings and markets to mitigate vulnerability to such downturns. He highlighted the potential of religious tourism, noting that Jordan is home to 52 significant sites for Muslims and 5 recognized Christian pilgrimage destinations. Enhancing infrastructure and promoting these sites are seen as essential steps.
Moreover, Breizat pointed out Jordan's natural diversity as an asset for attracting visitors seeking recovery after medical treatments. He identified five key areas, including Ajloun, Jerash, White Desert, and Wadi Rum, that could be developed into recovery centers due to their unique environments. These locations not only encourage longer stays but also increase visitor spending.
To further boost visitor numbers, Breizat suggested capitalizing on the potential for meditation and astronomy tourism in Jordan.