Jordan's Petra Tourism Collapses as US-Israel War on Iran Deters Foreign Visitors
With the tourism sector contributing 14 per cent to the national economy, authorities warn that government efforts to boost domestic travel have had negligible impact on the crisis
The ancient city of Petra has descended into near-total silence following the escalation of the war on Iran between the United States and Israel. The site, typically bustling with international visitors, has seen its foreign tourist numbers collapse to almost zero since the conflict began in late February 2026. This abrupt downturn has left the historic Rose City largely deserted, transforming a period that was expected to be a strong start to the year into a crisis for the local economy.
Official data from the Petra tourism authority highlights the severity of the decline. Visitor figures dropped from 112,000 foreign arrivals in the first two months of the year to between 28,000 and 30,000 during March and April. Adnan al-Sawair, chairman of the board of commissioners, noted that while the year began with fully booked calendars at travel agencies, the onset of the war caused everything to change immediately.
The economic repercussions extend far beyond the archaeological site, affecting a sector that accounts for 14 per cent of Jordan's gross domestic product. Last year, the industry generated $7.8bn in revenue from over seven million visitors, directly employing 60,000 people and supporting another 300,000 dependents. The sudden halt in foreign inflow has left hotels considering closures and transport animals, such as donkeys and horses used to carry tourists through the valley, standing idle.
Local businesses report an inability to sustain operations amidst the empty streets. Souvenir seller Khalid al-Saidat described the situation as a total collapse, stating that while the previous Gaza conflict caused an 80 to 90 per cent drop, the current war on Iran has reduced foreign visitors to almost zero. He noted that vendors open their stalls daily without knowing if they will earn enough to live on, while licensed guides face unemployment as booking calendars empty abruptly.
Despite the proximity to active conflict zones, Jordan remains relatively calm compared to its neighbours, having intercepted 281 Iranian missiles and drones fired at the country between the war's onset and the beginning of the April ceasefire. However, this relative stability has not been sufficient to reassure international tourists. Authorities have launched a scheme to encourage domestic tourism, though officials describe its impact as negligible given the sector's heavy reliance on foreign tour groups.
The crisis has left 1,400 licensed guides facing unemployment as the industry grapples with the loss of its primary revenue stream. While Jordan hosts no foreign military bases and maintains limited contingents under collective defence agreements, the perception of risk associated with the US-Israel war on Iran has effectively halted the flow of visitors to major attractions including Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Jerash.
