Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities released figures showing tourism revenues in Jordan were up 1.9% in the first six months of the year.  The total number of visitors increased 3%.  Tourism revenues between January and June 2009 were JD847 million compared to JD831 million for the same period last year. 

There were 751,293 tourists origination from Arab countries, accounting for more than 25% of the total number of visitors.   This is 8% higher than last years figure of 694,251.  However the number of European and American visitors fell 10% and 7% respectively – from 285,208 to 254,935 and 93,423 to 86,545.   Director General of Jordan’s Tourism Board Nayef Fayez said ”Despite the drop in the number of tourists from the US and Europe, the decline was offset by an increase in arrivals from other markets, particularly Arab markets.”