In the aftermath of Amman bombings – “Business as usual” for tourists in Petra

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More than 7,500 people have visited Petra archeological site since the suicide bombing attacks, which took place in three Amman hotels last Wednesday. Director of Petra Tourism Department Malik Amrat said that 2,000 tourists visited Petra on Friday while the daily range of visitors reached 1,400 since Wednesday. He added that local hotels have not reported any canceling in reservations.

Amrat added that over the next period tourists from various parts of the world will visit Petra, according to their original plans.

Following the blasts, which killed at least 57 people, it was projected that Jordan's tourism and hotel sector will be damaged. Tourism is an important source of income and jobs for Jordan.

Tourism is the second largest revenue earner in the Kingdom, accounting for nearly 12% of the Jordanian GDP in 2004. According to figures, published by the Jordanian press, tourism revenues went up by almost 11% in the first half of this year. Before the explosions, tourism receipts were expected to post a record $1.4 billion by the end of the current year.