Petra's silence: tourism collapse grips jordan's ancient wonder
Deep within Jordan’s rugged terrain, the ancient city of Petra, carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Once a celebrated wonder of the ancient world, the site has seen tourism plummet, leaving its surrounding communities struggling.
A deserted city: petra's tourism crisis
Attendance at the archaeological site has plummeted from 1.17 million visitors in 2023 to just 457,000 in 2024 – a staggering drop of over 60% in a single year. The decline accelerated through early 2025, with visits reaching roughly 260,000 compared to nearly 693,000 in the same period two years earlier. June 2024 saw a mere 16,207 foreign arrivals, a drastic fall from the 68,349 recorded the previous summer.
The economic impact is devastating. Around 38,000 people in the Wadi Musa region rely heavily on tourism income. Consequently, 28 hotels in the area have permanently closed, eliminating nearly 2,000 rooms. The remaining hotels operate at less than 20% capacity, a stark contrast to the pre-crisis days when occupancy rates averaged six to seven out of ten rooms.
The situation worsened following the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran in February 2026, which briefly led Jordan to close its airspace. This resulted in flight cancellations and Travel advisories, further dampening visitor numbers. While Jordan itself remains relatively stable, the broader regional instability, particularly the situation in Gaza, has spooked potential tourists.
In response to the crisis, Jordanian authorities introduced a more flexible visa policy, extending the visa-holding stay to three months. Online visa applications have also been streamlined. Tour companies are receiving support, and marketing efforts are expanding to new markets and promoting longer stays. The focus is shifting beyond historical sites to encompass hiking trails, local culture, and wellness experiences.
Despite these efforts, the road to recovery will be long. While Petra’s iconic facades remain unchanged, the revival of tourism hinges on a return of confidence across the region. Experts emphasize that while Petra and Wadi Rum are not currently designated high-risk zones, the borders bordering Syria and Iraq, along with Ma’an town, warrant caution. Hostels in Wadi Musa now average €20 per night, while high-end hotels command prices unseen just a few years prior.
The decline in tourism represents more than just economic hardship; it’s a profound shift in the relationship between Jordan and the world. The Rose City now listens to the silence where footsteps once echoed, waiting for the return of travelers and the resurgence of its vibrant past. The stillness is palpable, a stark reminder of how quickly global events can reshape destinies.