Petra: Chairman of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Dr. Fares Breizat, affirmed the importance of tourism in supporting the local economy and providing job opportunities. Breizat noted the expansion of tourism infrastructure in the Petra region in recent years, adding that the number of hotels in Petra increased from 40 in 2010 to 84 in 2024.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a symposium themed “Role of Tourism in Community Development,” held in the Greater Ma’an Municipality, Breizat stated that community development should be linked to job opportunities in the tourism sector by expanding the development of tourist products in Petra. He suggested launching cultural, hiking, and adventure activities to serve this goal.
Breizat emphasized the need to build on current achievements in archaeological, historical, and cultural tourism, and to develop and diversify tourist products. He proposed that this vision should expand the medical tourism sector to shift to a “wellness and recovery” phase, as well as focus on religious, adventure, and exploration tourism.
Additionally, Breizat highlighted the need to integrate local communities and empower them to benefit from the tourist movement. Addressing challenges facing investment in the sector, he mentioned that the industry primarily suffers from regional instability, bureaucracy, and multiplicity of legislation.