US Congress delegation visits Petra city
AMMAN — A delegation from the US Congress visited Petra city on Tuesday to assess the progress of key development projects implemented by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) and funded by USAID.
The visit included a review of several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and sustainability in Petra region.
Among the projects showcased were improved visitor flow and transportation systems within and around the archaeological reserve, as well as green growth tourism programmes designed to preserve cultural heritage and promote long-term tourism sustainability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
These efforts are part of a broader partnership formalised through a JD15 million grant agreement signed last year between the PDTRA and USAID to support a range of development projects across the Petra region.
Chief Commissioner of the PDTRA Fares Braizat stressed the significance of these projects in enhancing Petra's position as a 'leading' global tourism destination.
He noted that the initiatives contribute to diversifying the local tourism offering, enhancing competitiveness, and enriching the visitor experience in the historic Rose City.
Braizat also expressed appreciation for USAID's continued support, underscoring the authority's commitment to advancing Petra's tourism sector through innovative services and infrastructure aligned with its status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan Times
04-08-2025
- Jordan Times
Petra attracts nearly 291,000 visitors in seven months, majority foreign tourists
AMMAN — The ancient city of Petra has welcomed approximately 291,000 visitors during the first seven months of 2025, with foreigners making up the majority, according to official data cited by the Al Mamlaka TV. Foreign tourists accounted for 193,061 visitors, representing 66 per cent of the total, with Jordanians and Arab tourists making up the remaining 34 per cent with 78,889 and 19,219 visitors respectively. In July alone, Petra recorded 29,000 visitors, according to official figures, with tourism in the ancient city declining by 61 per cent in 2025 compared to last year. Figures from the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) show that Petra has attracted nearly 9.8 million visitors since 2010. Visitor numbers peaked in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 1.14 million tourists and, in 2023, tourism rose to 1.17 million until the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October, after which the numbers plummeted. Last year, visitor numbers fell sharply to 457,215, a 61 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023, according to PDTRA figures. PDTRA Chairman Fares Braizat said on Sunday that the ancient city has witnessed a sharp decline in tourist numbers, leading to the closure of 32 hotels, amounting to 2,000 rooms, and the loss of 700 jobs. 'Petra is one of the most affected tourist sites by the decline in visitor numbers due to the war on Gaza and its repercussions on the region,' Braizat told members of the Lower House committees. He added that approximately 38,000 residents of Petra rely either directly or indirectly on the tourism industry, and have been hit hard by what he described as a 'crisis.' To mitigate the impact, tourism-related professions have been temporarily exempted from licensing requirements, and some tenants have been relieved of rent dues for 2024, Braizat noted. Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) Director General Abdel Razzak Arabiyat echoed the concerns, saying there has been 'almost a complete decline of tourism in Jordan' following the outbreak of war in Gaza. 'Petra, which heavily relies on tourists from Europe and the United States, has been particularly affected,' he said. 'The repercussions are felt daily, especially by those working in tourism services,' Arabiyat told Al Mamlaka TV. He cited plummeting numbers of Western visitors, which have negatively impacted hotels, tour guides, travel agencies, and transport operators in the Petra region. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Saturday announced a new set of tours under the "Urdunnah Jannah" programme aimed at revitalizing Petra's tourism sector. The initiative will organize overnight stays in the city as part of a broader review of the programme in light of regional developments. The ministry said the new tour package, funded with JD1.5 million from the programme budget, in addition to contributions from participants, is part of ongoing efforts to support local communities and boost tourism recovery in Petra.
Ammon
10-07-2025
- Ammon
Petra lights up in Mexican colors to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
Ammon News - The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) illuminated the iconic Treasury monument in the colors of the Mexican flag on Wednesday evening, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Mexico. The gesture, described as symbolic yet significant, formed part of a broader celebration highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two nations. The event underscored a shared commitment to cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration across a range of sectors. Speaking at the ceremony, PDTRA Chairman Fares Braizat emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships. "Petra is a universal symbol of human and civilizational heritage," he said. "We are honored that it serves as the backdrop for this occasion, which reflects the depth of Jordanian-Mexican relations." Braizat noted that the lighting of the Treasury not only commemorates the historical milestone but also reaffirms Jordan's commitment to fostering global cooperation, particularly in tourism, culture, and sustainable development. Officials said the initiative aims to boost cultural exchange and promote Petra as a platform for international engagement. The event also serves to highlight the city's role as a cultural and tourism bridge between civilizations. As part of efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, PDTRA is currently working with Mexican authorities to finalize a partnership agreement between Petra and Chichen Itza, both recognized as the New Seven Wonders of the World. The planned agreement will focus on collaborative tourism marketing, knowledge exchange in heritage site preservation, and the development of joint projects that support sustainable tourism and raise the international profile of both cities. Jordan and Mexico established formal diplomatic ties in 1975. Since then, relations have steadily grown, with increased cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Roya News
10-07-2025
- Roya News
US ignored internal assessment deeming Gaza aid group GHF as unsafe: CNN
Just days before the Trump administration announced a USD 30 million funding package for the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) privately raised serious doubts about the organization's ability to deliver aid safely and effectively, according to a CNN report published Tuesday. A 14-page internal USAID assessment obtained by CNN outlined multiple red flags, criticizing GHF's funding application for lacking key details, including operational safety plans and basic oversight structures. The agency cited concerns that the group's approach could endanger Palestinian civilians and violate core humanitarian standards. 'I do not concur with moving forward with GHF given operational and reputational risks and lack of oversight,' one USAID official concluded in the report. Among the most troubling gaps highlighted was GHF's plan to distribute powdered baby formula in areas without access to clean water, posing a direct health risk. Sources familiar with the funding request called the application 'abysmal' and said it 'sorely lacked real content.' Others raised ethical objections, with one USAID staffer warning the group could not uphold the basic humanitarian principle of 'do no harm.' Despite internal warnings, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and USAID Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programs Jeremy Lewin moved to fast-track the funding, citing urgent humanitarian and political priorities. An internal memo from USAID's Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth Jackson, dated June 24, recommended waiving normal vetting standards for GHF due to the urgency of the situation. The State Department approved the funding just two days later. The funds have not yet been disbursed and are contingent on GHF meeting specific conditions, including addressing some of the concerns raised by USAID. GHF, which was established earlier this year after Israel blocked humanitarian access to Gaza for nearly three months, defended its operations in a public statement. 'GHF has done what others could not: deliver free, nutritious, and secure emergency food aid directly to the people of Gaza without interference from Hamas,' the group said, claiming to have delivered over 66 million meals since late May. The group also thanked the Trump administration for recognizing its 'impact,' contrasting its work with that of traditional aid organizations like the United Nations, which it accused of years of inefficiency. However, many established humanitarian groups have condemned GHF's methods, accusing it of working in tandem with the 'Israeli' military and abandoning neutral humanitarian standards. GHF's model replaced hundreds of small, community-based distribution points with just four large, militarized aid centers in central and southern Gaza, forcing displaced Palestinians to walk long distances through active conflict zones. More than 170 humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, and Amnesty International, signed a joint statement on July 1 demanding an end to the 'deadly' aid scheme. 'Today, Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to reach food to feed their families,' the statement read. Since GHF's operations began on May 27, reports have emerged that 'Israeli' troops and US security contractors have killed at least 640 Palestinians attempting to access aid. Eyewitnesses and Israeli soldiers themselves have described orders to fire on unarmed civilians at aid sites.
