Newly proclaimed 'world wonder' Petra to boost tourism

AMMAN - Tourism experts in Jordan are pinning their hopes on the election of the archaeological site of Petra, southern Jordan, as one of the new seven world wonders to see a rise in visitors. On Saturday following an online vote in the competition organised by Swiss-Canadian billionaire Bernard Weber, the new seven wonders of the world were named. Along with Jordan's Petra were the Great Wall of China, Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer, Peru's Machu Picchu, Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid, the Colosseum in Rome, and India's Taj Mahal.

"The choice of Petra as one of the new seven wonders of the world will without a doubt have positive repercussions on Jordanian tourism even though UNESCO [which compiles a world heritage list] has not recognised this new ranking," Subhi Ribah, the head of the local agency tasked with promoting tourism, told Adnkronos International (AKI).

According to Ribah, this positive trend "will be clear starting with the next autumn season, from September until the end of the year."

According to official data, some five million tourists travel to Jordan annually and spend approximately one billion euros in the country every year.

Middle East Online, UK