AMMAN - Tourist traffic to Petra increased by 66 per cent in February compared to the same period in 2009, Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) figures indicated.
Some 56,707 tourists visited the rose-red city last month, up from 34,251 in February 2009. Of the total visitors 52,791 were foreigners and 3,916 Jordanians, the figures showed.
With the recent introduction of service fees, revenues generated by the site nearly doubled, with JD1.13 million generated last month, compared to JD676,700 in February 2009, according to PDTRA figures.
PDTRA Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh said the authority has prepared studies to rehabilitate Petra's visitors centre, develop tourist services and establish information desks and rest areas, among other facilities.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Tourism and the PDTRA introduced new compulsory service fees for tourists based on the amount of time they plan to spend at the site and in the Kingdom, as part of an initiative to upgrade services in the area.
"This is part of a plan to develop the Petra Archaeological Park, improve the quality of available services and introduce new ones in order to develop the tourism product and enrich visitors' experience of Petra," Shraideh previously told The Jordan Times.
The new tickets are in three categories: Overnight and cruise tourists, one-day tourists and Jordanians.
In addition to the standard JD21 entrance fee, overnight and cruise tourists are required to purchase a JD12 service ticket through October. As of November 1, 2010, the service fee will be increased to JD29, raising the combined fees to JD50.
One-day tourists who visit Petra as part of a package that includes neighbouring countries are required to pay JD39 service fees, JD60 overall.
As of November 1, 2010, these tourists will be required to pay a total of JD90 to enter the rose-red city and enjoy visitor services.
Jordanian nationals pay JD1 for entrance fee, while children under the age of 15 and visitors with special needs are exempted from the service fees.
The compulsory service fee includes free brochures and maps, a horse ride from the entrance gate to the opening of the Siq (a 700-metre distance), admission to the museum and scheduled guide services for individual tourists along the main trail.
Tourists who want extra services, such as private group guided tours, horse carriages or camel rides, are also able to purchase these services individually.
By Khetam Malkawi
© Jordan Times 2010
