The Jordan Tourist Board has announced a growth of 3.5 per cent in UK visitor numbers during 2012 – with a record 69,845 UK tourists visiting the country throughout the year.

October was, once again, the top month for UK tourists with 6,647 UK tourists visiting Jordan; however the top year-on-year growth month was January which saw a 17.9 per cent increase in UK tourists compared to 2011.

Jordan celebrated two significant anniversaries in 2012, including the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of the ancient city of Petra and the 50th anniversary of the release of Lawrence of Arabia, a film largely shot in Jordan’s Wadi Rum.

Stephen Hurp, Jordan Tourism Board country manager for UK & Ireland, said: “We have now seen year on growth in every year since 2009, which is testament to the stability of Jordan as a destination, as well as the resilience of the UK travelling public.

“We are delighted to report the growth in visitor numbers throughout 2012 and hope that Brits will continue to demonstrate their confidence in Jordan as a holiday destination throughout 2013 and continue to explore our ancient sites, rich tapestry of history and epic landscapes.”