Petra: Chairman of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Dr. Fares Breizat, held discussions on Wednesday with a delegation from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, focusing on enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector. The meeting aimed at exchanging expertise in protecting archaeological and tourist sites while ensuring visitor security and safety.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Saudi delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Hassan, and the Kuwaiti team was headed by Brig. Gen. Abdullah Hamoud Salem Al-Mutairi. Dr. Breizat emphasized the significance of organizing the Petra archaeological site and highlighted the progress made by PDTRA in this domain.
Dr. Breizat pointed out the necessity of balancing the preservation of Petra as an ancient World Heritage Site with the achievement of sustainable development goals. He also stressed the importance of including Bedouin culture in Petra and Wadi Rum on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as it plays a vital role in maintaining local identity.
He mentioned that efforts to showcase the authenticity of Bedouin culture enhance the visitors’ experience, as tourists are interested in exploring not only the archaeological site’s rich history but also the authentic customs and traditions of the Bedouins, which reflect the cultural identity of the region’s inhabitants.
Dr. Breizat also highlighted the launch of the Youth Advisory Council, which aims to involve young people in decision-making and strategic planning, in collaboration with both public and private sectors. He expressed hope for opening new areas of cooperation and transferring expertise with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf states to serve mutual interests and fortify the region’s status as a sustainable and secure tourist destination.