Overall visitor arrivals in Jordan registered an increase of 20 per cent in the first two months of the year, according to figures published Sunday by the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry said that 941,140 tourists visited the country during January and February compared with 780,782 in the same period of last year, dpa reported. There was an upward trend in both overnight and same-day visitors from main market destinations, mainly Europe, the United States and the Gulf region. The number of tourists from Europe and the United States increased by 54 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, the Ministry said. At least 93,451 European tourists visited the Kingdom during the first two months of this year compared with 60,863 in the same period of 2006, while visitors from the United States rose from 18,682 to 24,348. "The increase in tourist arrivals, despite the ongoing difficulties and challenges in the region, reflects the country's ongoing strength - a safe and secure destination for visitors from around the world," Minister of Tourism Osama Dabbas said. Dabbas pointed out that the forecast for the months ahead was "very encouraging" as travel agents report increased bookings. According to preliminary figures released by the Central Bank of Jordan, revenues generated by tourism increased by 31 per cent in January and February, to 183 million dinars (258 million dollars) from 140 million dinars in the same period of 2006.
