Jordan Records 61% Tourism Drop in Petra Amid Gaza Conflict

Jordan's tourism sector has suffered a severe decline since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, with the number of visitors to Petra dropping by approximately 61%, from nearly 1.2 million in 2023 to around 457,000-547,000 in 2024. Despite Jordan not sharing a border with Gaza, the war has significantly impacted traveler confidence, especially among tourists from Europe and North America, leading to a record low in inbound tourism. This downturn has resulted in substantial economic consequences, including the closure of 32 hotels in the Petra region and the loss of nearly 700 jobs in tourism and hospitality. Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock-carved pink temples, is a key driver of Jordan's economy, with tourism accounting for 14% of the gross domestic product. The decline in tourism has also affected local communities dependent on the sector, reversing gains made after the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan continues to engage diplomatically and provide humanitarian assistance related to the Gaza crisis, but the ongoing conflict's ripple effects persist across its tourism industry.