Jordan tourism hit by war as visitor numbers plunge

Jordan tourism hit by war as visitor numbers plunge Tourism, which accounts for around 14 percent of Jordan’s economy, is facing a sharp downturn as the war disrupts travel across the region. Official figures show the sector supports about 60,000 direct jobs, with a further 300,000 livelihoods linked to it. Last year, more than seven million visitors generated $7.8bn in revenue. The year began on a strong footing, particularly at the country’s flagship destination, Petra. Adnan al-Sawair, chairman of the Petra tourism authority, said early figures had been encouraging. “The year had started strongly ‘with 112,000 foreign visitors in the first two months, which is very good’,” he said. “But everything changed with the war,” he added. Visitor numbers dropped sharply in March and April, falling to between 28,000 and 30,000, highlighting the immediate impact of regional instability on the tourism sector.

Tourism, which accounts for around 14 percent of Jordan’s economy, is facing a sharp downturn as the war disrupts travel across the region.

Official figures show the sector supports about 60,000 direct jobs, with a further 300,000 livelihoods linked to it. Last year, more than seven million visitors generated $7.8bn in revenue.

The year began on a strong footing, particularly at the country’s flagship destination, Petra.

Adnan al-Sawair, chairman of the Petra tourism authority, said early figures had been encouraging.

“The year had started strongly ‘with 112,000 foreign visitors in the first two months, which is very good’,” he said.

“But everything changed with the war,” he added.

Visitor numbers dropped sharply in March and April, falling to between 28,000 and 30,000, highlighting the immediate impact of regional instability on the tourism sector.