Petra on Thursday celebrated the arrival of the millionth tourist in 2019, marking a new record in the history of the Unesco world heritage site.
American tourist Alison Carey was the lucky ticket holder, arriving from California on her honeymoon with her husband. The newlyweds received gifts and a public celebration at the archaeological site.
Sulaiman Farajat, Chief Commissioner of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) said he hoped the total number of annual visitors would reach 1.1 million by the end of the year.
“It is a joint effort, the tourist sector in general, the good reputation for Jordan, and thanks to Allah, the stable situation in the region in general,” he said.
However the recent increase in the number of tourists in tourism places pressure on the site, facilities and accommodation.
"We must improve the service at the site, increase the number of hotel rooms, and preserve this archaeological site," said the chief commissioner.
The authority is working on a strategic plan for the next couple of years aiming at increasing Petra's market share, enhancing Jordan as an international tourist destination and sustaining Petra as a world heritage site.
The Treasury, known in Arabic as Al-Khazneh, is 2,000 years old and is one of the biggest draw cards for visitors.
