STORY: Jordan's Jerash witnesses influx of tourists
DATELINE: Aug. 9, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:59
LOCATION: Amman
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of Jerash
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOSEPH MARJI, Turkish tourist
3. various of Jerash
4. various of Ehab Neethami
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): EHAB NEETHAMI, Jordanian craftsman
 
STORYLINE:
 
Jerash, a fascinating ancient Roman city in Jordan, witnesses a considerable influx of tourists this year.
 
According to the state-run Petra news agency, a total of 122,253 local and foreign tourists visited the Jerash tourist attraction in the first four months of this year, a 100 percent year-on-year increase.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOSEPH MARJI, Turkish tourist
"To see the vibes, I come here almost every year. I love the atmosphere here. I love the people. Everything here is nice. Everything is traditional."
 
Craftsman Ehab Neethami has been selling mosaic souvenirs in Jerash for over a decade.
 
Neethami said that he has witnessed a resurgence of local tourism this year, hoping the site could attract more tourists.
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): EHAB NEETHAMI, Jordanian craftsman
"The increase in the tourist season this year sends a message to the world that our country enjoys safety and security. We receive and welcome tourists, especially those from China. We have good and organized tourism. We want to invite the Chinese people to visit the city of Jerash and see its archaeological sites."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Amman.
(XHTV)