More than 10,000 people gathered in front of the Treasury in the ancient city of Petra on Friday 27th of April to watch a live telethon aired by Jordan Television to support the city’s bid to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the world.

The initiative was a result of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board efforts and was co-sponsored by the JTB and Jordan Television.

“The event was aimed at encouraging people to vote for Petra,” Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTVC) Director Faisal Shboul told The Jordan Times.

 “The outcome of the telethon was encouraging, with a remarkable number of people from Jordan and abroad participating,” Shboul said.

“When you look at the number of the phone calls we received during the program, you will have a clear idea about the results,” he said.

The program aired live on that day between 2:00pm and 8:00pm.

Prime Minster Marouf Bakhit, who participated in Friday’s telethon, described Petra as “a global centre for international culture.”

He called on citizens to “show national solidarity” by casting their votes.

Meanwhile, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) wound up its “1 million campaign” with 1.5 million votes for the city, according to the director of the GAM press centre, Taha Abu Reden. 

In November last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board initiated a nationwide promotional campaign to garner support for the bid.

Votes can be cast online (www.visitjordan.com), by telephone (090009300) or by sending through SMS the word “Petra” on MobileCom, Umniah, and Express (92381), and Fastlink (91181).