Petra:The ancient city of Petra is poised to transition into a new phase of tourism development, focusing on viewing the site as an integrated system rather than just an archaeological site. This approach, highlighted by Adnan Al-Sawair, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), seeks to blend Petra's economic, social, and environmental surroundings.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Sawair emphasized the need for a comprehensive visitor experience that begins with understanding tourists' needs and extends beyond their visit. He pointed out that the real challenge lies in preserving Petra's exceptional value while adapting its presentation to align with evolving tourist behaviors and technological advancements.
Al-Sawair noted that technology could significantly enhance the understanding and management of visitor flows, protect the site, and present its story interactively. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining the human element in the visitor experience, which contributes to Petra's unique character.
He also emphasized that Petra offers more than conventional sightseeing. With its rich historical heritage, natural landscapes, and vibrant local community, the city can offer a model where visitors engage with its history and people. Al-Sawair highlighted the essential role of the local community in the development process, as they are integral to Petra's identity and collective memory.
The future of tourism in Petra depends on engaging residents as active partners in shaping the tourism experience. Al-Sawair advocated for empowering youth, expanding women's participation, fostering local investment, and creating new economic opportunities as key elements of any future tourism vision.
He argued that tourism success should be measured not only by visitor numbers but also by its impact on the local community. Challenges in the tourism sector should prompt a reassessment of strategies rather than delaying development, with an emphasis on continuous industry planning and evaluation.
Al-Sawair concluded that World Tourism Day provides an opportunity to critically assess Petra's tourism experience, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that Petra€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¾¢s development maintains its authenticity while offering a meaningful experience to visitors and benefiting the local community.