Petra Sees Rise in Tourism

Petra saw a big rise in tourism through the first half of this year, according to a report from the Central Bank of Jordan. The World Wonder attracted 60% more visitors during the first half of 2008 compared to last year. In total, 404,161 tourists visited the city in 2008 versus 252,215 during the same period last year.

Europeans helped lead the tourism boom, with 157,284 Europeans visiting the country on package tours through the end of June, a 63% increase from last year. Tourists from Asia on package tours numbered 37,900, up 40% from 27,094 last year. The biggest percentage gain was from U.S. tourists, with an 84% surge to about 32,000.

It's good to see Petra getting some of the recognition it deserves, and its inclusion on the New Seven Wonders of the World list (technically it has 8 wonders) last July is undoubtedly helping increase tourism to the site. While the inflow of tourism from the U.S. shot up, it still appears there is some trepidation by many American to travel to the Middle East, which is a shame. For more on the red-rose city, check out the Petra section on my website.