Tourism soars in Petra following Barack Obama\'s visit

President Obama tours Jordan\'s ancient city of Petra on March 23 Jordan\'s city of Petra has seen a rise in the number of tourists since US President Barack Obama\'s visit in March. Obama toured the ancient city of Petra on March 23 during the last leg of a Middle East tour, calling the region \"spectacular.\"
Yassin el-Saidat, an official from Petra\'s local authority, who accompanied the US president during his tour, told Arab Today that Obama was \"very modest\" during his trip to Petra, talking to local people in bazaars and expressing his appreciation for their arts and crafts.
Saidat added that Obama purchased souvenirs from the bazaar, stating that he would like to bring his wife and daughters to visit the region one day.
The official affirmed that Barack Obama\'s visit has had a positive effect, with a notable 37 percent increase in the number of tourists. Saidat went on to say that Petra witnesses over 3,000 tourists on a daily basis.
Petra is Jordan\'s most popular tourist attraction, drawing more than a half million visitors yearly since 2007. A UNESCO world heritage site, the region is known for its breathtaking architecture and combination of eastern culture with ancient Greek constructions.
The 1989 movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was also filmed in the beautiful ancient city.