RIYADH: Jordan’s tourism income surged 88.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 from the same period in the previous year to hit $1.671 billion on the back of a notable boost in tourism arrivals. The country has recorded an unparalleled surge in the number of tourists coming to the country, with more than 1.47 million sightseers visiting during the first quarter of 2023. This record number represents an increase of 90.7 percent compared with the 774,111 holidaymakers who visited during the same period last year, the Jordan News Agency reported. It surpasses the figure for the first quarter of 2019, which was considered a “golden year” for tourism in Jordan, when 1.146 million visitors and 966,483 overnight tourists visited the country. Jordan’s central bank data also showed a 68.4 percent spike in Jordanians’ spending on tourism during that period, reaching $422.3 million. Tourism income in March grew by 49 percent compared to March of 2022 to total $614.7 million, revealed the data. As for tourism expenditure in March, it rose 26.2 percent compared to the same month last year, hitting $139.9 million. Furthermore, the latest Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities monthly bulletin revealed an 80.9 percent rise in the number of overnight tourists to 1.204 million during the quarter, compared with 665,779 a year earlier. Jordan has a large number of renowned tourist landmarks and other attractions, including the “Golden Triangle” encompassing Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea, the Roman Theater in Amman and Mount Nebo. There is also Ajloun Castle, Jerash, the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ, and Karak Castle. Last month, the country’s northern town of Umm Qais was honored at the UN World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Villages awards ceremony in AlUla. Imad Hijazin, secretary-general of Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, said at the time: “Putting the village of Umm Qais on the list will bolster the kingdom’s status on the global tourism map.” “This achievement comes within the ministry’s vision, and is in compliance with its tourism development plan through the Jordan National Tourism Strategy 2021-2025,” he added. Hijazin further noted that the location’s recognition would contribute to empowering local communities, and increasing job opportunities.