Latest news with #PDTRA
Jordan News
5 days ago
- Jordan News
Al-Braizat and Abu Danneh Emphasize Importance of Integrating Key Archaeological Sites into Petra's Tourism Routes
Dr. Suleiman Al-Farajat, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), and Dr. Fawzi Abu Danneh, Director General of the Department of Antiquities, stressed the importance of integrating several significant archaeological sites in southern Jordan into Petra's tourism network during a field visit conducted on Saturday. اضافة اعلان According to a statement issued by the PDTRA, the visit included prominent archaeological locations near the road connecting Aqaba and Petra, making them potential main stops that could be linked to existing tourist routes. These sites contain skeletal remains and evidence of early settled life and agricultural practices, marking the transition from a hunting-based lifestyle to farming in human history. During the visit, Al-Braizat emphasized the importance of expanding the visitor experience in Petra to include sites like Jabal Al-Tahkim and Adhruh. He affirmed that sustainable tourism begins with involving local communities and preserving the identity of the place. He also called for developing a comprehensive vision to connect these sites to tourism paths that tell stories supporting global understanding of Nabataean and Islamic civilizations in the region. For his part, Abu Danneh highlighted the archaeological and scientific significance of these sites, noting that comprehensive scientific studies are being prepared to document them and include them in national and international heritage preservation programs. The delegation discussed several proposals to develop these sites, including infrastructure improvements, trail and site rehabilitation in cooperation with local communities, and the potential repurposing of 'Bayt Nazal' as a regional center for Nabataean heritage and archaeological documentation. The visit is part of integrated efforts to maximize the benefit of the cultural and historical legacy in the Petra region, within a sustainable development vision that reinforces national identity and supports economic and social growth. --- (Petra )
Jordan Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Spanish football legends Casillas, Salgado visit Petra
Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visit the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan (Petra photo) AMMAN — Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visited the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra continues to draw international figures with its historical and cultural significance, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The two footballers were welcomed by Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Fares Breizat, who briefed them on Petra's archaeological heritage, tourism appeal, and ongoing preservation efforts. Commemorative gifts were also presented to the guests in honour of their visit. Expressing his admiration, Casillas described Petra as 'majestic and beautiful', noting that the site exceeded his expectations and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans. Salgado called Petra not only a world-class archaeological treasure, but also a powerful symbol of Jordanian hospitality. He commended the organisation of the visit and the warm reception the delegation received. The visit comes as part of PDTRA's ongoing initiative to host influential global personalities to raise Petra's profile and promote Jordan as a premier tourism destination.
Jordan News
06-05-2025
- Jordan News
Tourism Ministry: It is 'business as usual' in Petra after floods - Jordan News
Tourism Ministry: It is 'business as usual' in Petra after floods Tourism is back to normal in the Red Rose city of Petra on Monday after the southern region was struck by heavy downpours that triggered flash floods causing disruptions at the tourist attraction. اضافة اعلان "Tourism activity is back to normal now and the city is receiving visitors from various countries around the world after tickets were suspended Sunday afternoon," said Yazan Mahadin, Commissioner for Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism at the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA). He said PDTRA had put in place a contingency plan to deal with the weather conditions, and emergency response teams were on the spot to repair damaged sites and ensure public safety. Repair crews were clearing floodwaters, maintaining trails and visitor facilities, and providing field support teams at vital sites within the Petra Archaeological Park, he said, adding that the authority was in coordination with security and civil defense bodies. Mahadin stressed the safety of visitors and citizens is a top priority, as the PDTRA endeavors to provide a safe tourist environment, raise the level of services that are "befitting Petra's status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a global destination and UNESCO world heritage site." Petra
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Horror as mum and son found dead after flash flooding at Petra tourist hotspot
A mother and son have been found dead after flash flooding tore through the ruins of Petra at the weekend. The Belgian woman and her three children, two of whom were found alive, were initially reported missing on Monday. The flooding in southern Jordan lead to the evacuation of the Petra archaeological site on Sunday, with hundreds forced to flee the country's leading tourist attraction. The family had been visiting the site with another 14 tourists on an adventure trip in Wadi al-Nakhil when they were caught up in the flash flood, Ma'an district local governor Hassan al-Jabour told state media broadcaster Al-Mamlaka TV. Fourteen tourists, all Czechs, were rescued on Sunday. Rescue crews located two of the children alive late Sunday, al-Jabour said. The search and rescue operation was suspended at about 2 a.m. because of the complicated weather conditions and terrain. The bodies of the woman and her son were found Monday morning after the search resumed, he said. Further details about the family and the ages of the children weren't immediately available. Jordan often experiences flash flooding as heavy seasonal rains send torrents of water through dry desert valleys. At least three people died in 2021 when floodwaters swept away their car, while more than 30 people were killed in flash flooding that hit Petra and Jordan's Dead Sea coast in two separate floods in 2018. Regarding the 2018 incident, tourists described "extraordinary" scenes of panic as the "fast and heavy" flash floods lead to the evacuation of thousands. Witnesses said there was a "thunderous roar" before 'raging water started gushing down' and covered people head to toe in mud. Holidaymakers said there was screaming, yelling, people running to escape - claiming there was no plan in place. Elderly people and families with young children who couldn't get out quickly enough became "caught", witnesses claimed. Locals galloping on horses warned visitors to the popular tourist spot to turn back. One wife was left in tears, worried about her husband who was deep in the ruins, thinking he'd been caught in the flood waters - and she was one of many worried about loved ones in the zone. Back in 2021, a tourist was killed in a freak accident at the same historical site when a rock fell on his head. The 32-year-old Italian citizen, who was with three other tourists, died at the scene. Investigators believed that heavy rainfall had caused the accident after dislodging the rock from its foundation, the Petra Development Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) reported at the time. Pictures from the scene showed a large crowd gathered around the patient, but medics were unable to save his life.
Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Petra hosts ‘FollowMeTo' stars Natalia, Murad Osmann for 10th anniversary celebration
By JT - May 05,2025 - Last updated at May 05,2025 World-renowned Russian couple Natalia and Murad Osmann, creators of the 'iconic' global photography project 'FollowMeTo', choose the rose-red city of Petra as the backdrop for their 10th wedding anniversary celebration (Photo courtesy of PDTRA) AMMAN — World-renowned Russian couple Natalia and Murad Osmann, creators of the 'iconic' global photography project 'FollowMeTo', chose the rose-red city of Petra as the backdrop for their 10th wedding anniversary celebration. The couple marked the occasion within the heart of the ancient city, joined by a select group of friends and fellow social media influencers from the Russian digital sphere, according to a Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) statement. They were welcomed by Chief Commissioner of PDTRA Fares Braizat, along with Commissioner for Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism Yazan Mahadin and several staff members from the authority. According to Braizat, this 'high-profile' event, organised through joint efforts between the PDTRA and the Jordan Tourism Board, reflects Petra's rising status as a global destination for content creation and luxury travel. It also contributes to the broader campaign to promote Jordan as a 'top-tier' cultural and touristic destination, with Petra as its 'crown jewel'. Natalia and Murad expressed their deep admiration for Petra, describing the experience as 'magical and unforgettable.' They called Petra 'the perfect setting to capture life's most beautiful moments, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and rich heritage.' This celebration was part of a larger visit aimed at exploring Petra and showcasing it as a distinctive global destination, especially for photography, storytelling, and creative media. Petra has 'increasingly' attracted global celebrities and 'top-tier' content creators in recent years, thanks to its powerful combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and timeless appeal, making it an exceptional location for memorable experiences and visual storytelling.
