Jordan suffered a drastic drop in tourism in 2026, due to instability and conflicts in the Middle East.
Since the conflict began in the Middle East at the end of February, this destination has been largely deserted, its usual crowds of foreign tourists are hardly seen.
The souvenir traders, donkeys and horses that usually transport tourists through the valley were also inactive. The scene, said one of the merchants, reflects “the collapse of tourism” in Jordan.
“The war in Gaza had led to a drop of 80 to 90 percent in tourism,” while the conflict in Iran has reduced the number of foreign visitors to “almost zero.”
“We open every day without knowing if we will earn enough to live,” he added.
Tourism represents 14 percent of Jordan’s gross domestic product, according to official figures, with 60,000 people directly employed in the sector and another 300,000 dependent on it. Last year, more than seven million visitors generated $7.8 billion in revenue.
Beyond Petra, Jordan is home to other important attractions, including the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the famous archaeological site of Jerash. Unique sites that tell the history of humanity, but that today look deserted as a result of the conflicts around. (AFP).