Ammon News - Despite challenges, "significant" investments are made in the hotel sector in Petra and the region currently houses 3,700 hotel rooms, which would be increased to 6,000 by 2026 under several palns, Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Dr. Fares Breizat, announced.

Breizat added that these investments represent an "important" step to meet the expected demand, as Petra is forecast to attract 1.4 million visitors annually by 2026.

Breizat's remarks came in a dialogue session held recently by Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) to assess the tourism conditions in the ancient city of Petra, amid the region's current political developments and their impact on the tourist movement to Jordan.

According to the JEF statement Saturday, the forum's head, Mazen Hamoud, said the discussions come within its existing policy to shed light on the files that "directly" affect the national economy.

During 2024, Breizat stressed that tourism in Petra faced "unprecedented" challenges, as it witnessed a "sharp" drop of 74% in the number of foreign visitors, compared to the previous year.

Breizat noted this "significant" decline has affected the PDTRA's budget and the local community with all its tourism-related sectors.

Regarding the impact of the tourism decline on Petra's hotel sector, Breizat said this industry was the "most affected," adding that despite PDTRA's efforts, a total of 14 hotels are still currently closed, with 478 workers unemployed so far.

Breizat noted the need to diversify tourist products and markets to avoid "exposure to shocks."

On religious tourism, Breizat noted Jordan has a total of 52 important sites for Muslims and 5 for Christians, recognized by the Vatican as Christian pilgrimage destinations, stressing the need to further develop the infrastructure and promote these attractions.

Jordan, he noted, has a "huge" natural diversity that can be harnessed to attract "convalescence" seekers after medical treatment, noting that Jordan has 5 main areas that can be developed as recovery centers, namely Ajloun, Jerash, White Desert and Wadi Rum.

These areas offer "unique" environments that can attract visitors for long periods, which extends their stay and increases their spending, he pointed out.

To attract additional visitors, he pointed to the "huge" potential for meditation and astronomy tourism in Jordan.