Petra’s silence: tourism collapse grips jordan’s rose city

The ancient city of Petra, carved into the Jordanian desert, is experiencing a drastic tourism decline, revealing a vulnerability beyond its timeless facade.

A winter of emptiness

Once a vibrant hub for traders and travelers, Petra witnessed a stark shift in 2024. Tourist numbers plummeted from 1.17 million in 2023 to just 457,000 in 2024 – a fall of over 60% in a single year. The trend continued into early 2025, with visits totaling roughly 260,000 compared to nearly 693,000 in the same period two years prior. June 2024 saw a mere 16,207 foreign arrivals, a dramatic drop from 68,349 the previous summer.

The economic fallout has been devastating for the 38,000 people living near Petra, many of whom rely on tourism income. Wadi Musa, the main access point, saw 28 hotels close, eliminating nearly 2,000 rooms – more than half the region’s available accommodation. Those that remain struggle to fill even a single room in twenty, a stark contrast to the pre-2020 days when six or seven out of ten were occupied.

The decline isn't directly due to conflict within Jordan, but regional instability is a major factor. The flare-up in Gaza last autumn cast a shadow over the entire Middle East, prompting cancellations and travel advisories. The U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran in February 2026 further exacerbated the situation, leading Jordan to briefly close its airspace. This triggered a cascade of cancellations across airlines and travel agencies, compounding the existing losses.

Jordan’s authorities are responding with measures to encourage longer stays. Visa extensions have been increased from 30 to 90 days, and the online visa application process has been streamlined. Tour companies are receiving support, and marketing efforts are expanding beyond traditional markets, focusing on experiences like hiking trails and local Culture.

While the core areas of Petra and Wadi Rum are not considered high-risk, concerns remain around borders with Syria and Iraq, as well as the town of Ma’an. The US embassy in Amman advises visitors to remain within contact range and seek shelter in enclosed spaces during rare warning sirens. Staying longer than two weeks requires registration with local law enforcement, with penalties for non-compliance.

Conversely, bargains are emerging. Hostels in Wadi Musa now cost around €20 a night, while high-end hotels are offering prices unseen in years. Yet, the sense of uncertainty persists. Petra’s stone facades remain unchanged, but the echoes of footsteps have faded. The question is whether trust across borders can be rebuilt quickly enough to revive the Rose City’s fortunes.

The numbers paint a clear picture: the tourism sector, a cornerstone of Jordan's economy, is facing a profound challenge. Recovery will depend not only on regional stability but also on a renewed willingness among travelers to venture into a landscape now shadowed by distant conflicts.