AMMAN - Ticket revenues and tourist traffic to Petra witnessed significant growth in the first half of the year, official statistics released on Wednesday revealed.
Figures issued by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) yesterday indicated that ticket revenues grew by 46 per cent in the first half of 2010, amounting JD9.1 million, compared to JD6.2 million in the same period in 2009.
The ancient Nabataean city also witnessed a large increase in visitors in the first six months of the year, according to the figures. Approximately 462,000 tourists visited Petra from January-June, compared to 325,000 visitors in the same period in 2009, a 42 per cent increase.
Of the total, 421,00 tourists were non-Jordanians, a 47 per cent increase from the same period in 2009, when 286,000 foreign tourists came to the rose-red city.
According to the PDTRA, Petra generated JD895,000 in revenues in the month of June, compared to JD664,000 in June 2009. The authority indicated that 48,600 tourists visited the site last month, a 32 per cent growth compared to June 2009, when the figure stood at 36,700.
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.
The new tickets classify tourists 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.
Also 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.
The Kingdom's tourism sector has witnessed significant growth since the beginning of the year, with official statistics indicating that tourism receipts rose by 30 per cent across the board in the first five months of the year.
By Khetam Malkawi
Jordan Times 2010
