Tenders have been invited from appropriately qualified companies or consortia to develop a new 20-year master plan for the Petra region, which encompasses the Petra Archaeological Park, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Nabatean Culture
Nasser Shraideh, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) said in an interview with the Jordan Times, “We will develop a Petra region that maximises the benefits of Petra to local communities while protecting the country’s archaeological resources.” In particular the PDTRA has identified the importance of both protecting and capitalising on the area’s unique association with ancient Nabatean culture.
Prerequisites for the successful tender will be a description of the, “Baseline economic, social, natural environmental and archaeological conditions in the Petra region.” The master plan, to be implemented in three distinct phases, must address the long-term sustainability and sensitive development of the area.
Addressing the local issues of the Petra region the PDTRA has demanded that benefits accruing from increased tourism should filter to the local level. The development authority has admitted that social services, particularly education and health are presently, “quite weak.” Currently there are specific problems with child labour, poverty, unemployment and young people leaving school early to start work.
As part of the community approach, the PDTRA has already supported a number of agencies to train local residents in the hospitality industry. Funding of JD 25,000 (35,236 USD at current rates) has been allocated.
Environmental Concerns in Petra
Environmental concerns, particularly within the Park, are recognised as pressing issues and to that end the master plan must address a number of questions. Water shortage throughout Jordan is a major problem so water conservation in the region is essential. Ironically flash floods which affect the area (particularly dangerous in the Siq which leads to the Treasury) are also a concern and need to be tackled.
The authorities recognise that tourists only visit around 3% of the Park and have insisted the master plan looks at ways of increasing this figure. Consequently plans for new trails to entice visitors away from the well-worn routes allowing them to see other parts of Petra are to be included.
New Hotels in Petra
Major construction work, including the building of three new hotels together with the expansion of four others has been authorised and local residents are being encouraged to set up, with the help of the PDTRA, restaurants and other “entertainment" facilities.
Sources:
UK Trade and Investment, Jordan – Development of Strategic Master Plan for the Petra Region, website accessed 26/5/2010
MENA FN.com – Jordan Times, original writer Taylor Luck, Petra’s new master plan to focus on sustainability, local development, website accessed 26/5/2010
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