Petra, Sept. 15 (Petra) — The Petra Development and Tourism Region
Authority (PDTRA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) have agreed to implement a three-year project aimed at
expanding community-based tourism and increasing local participation
in the region’s tourism economy.

The two sides signed a record of discussions for the Sustainable
Tourism Community Development Project, which will target Wadi Musa,
Taybeh, Umm Sayhoun, Rajif, Dlagha and Beidha, the authority said
Tuesday.

Running for 36 months, the project will support the development of
tourism businesses, products and experiences built around the
cultural, heritage and natural assets of communities surrounding
Petra and connect them more closely with the destination’s wider
tourism offering.

It will also help local entrepreneurs and communities strengthen
their capabilities in product and service development, marketing,
promotion and market access, with the aim of generating direct and
sustainable economic benefits from tourism.

The project seeks to establish effective mechanisms for promoting
tourism services and locally developed products while making greater
use of the region’s tangible and intangible resources.

PDTRA Chief Commissioner Adnan Al-Sawair said the initiative builds
on the longstanding cooperation between Jordan and Japan and supports
efforts to place local communities at the center of sustainable
tourism development in Petra.

The project will draw on Japanese expertise in local development,
capacity building and tourism marketing while strengthening PDTRA’s
institutional capacity and planning for community-based tourism.

Women’s economic participation will be a particular focus, with the
initiative supporting local businesses and projects and developing
skills that can increase women’s access to opportunities generated by
the tourism sector.

The project is also intended to help diversify Petra’s visitor
experience beyond the archaeological site by incorporating local
heritage, culture, nature, handicrafts and community-based products
and experiences.

PDTRA said the initiative is expected to help develop a sustainable
community tourism model that broadens the economic and social
benefits of tourism, creates new opportunities for residents and
strengthens Petra’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

//Petra// RZ