Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Petra City has proudly joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable tourism. Faris Breizat, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), announced this achievement, highlighting Petra’s alignment with global shifts in tourism trends. As travelers increasingly seek destinations that prioritize sustainability and adhere to international standards, Petra’s inclusion in the GSTC underscores its dedication to responsible tourism practices.
This strategic move is part of the PDTRA’s broader tourism plan for 2021-2025, which aims to position Petra as a leader in sustainable tourism. It also aligns with Jordan’s economic modernization vision, which emphasizes the country’s role as a premier global tourist destination and a center for filmmaking. By embracing sustainable tourism, Petra not only preserves its rich cultural heritage but also enhances its appeal to the growing number of eco-conscious travelers worldwide.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Commissioner of Petra Archaeology Park and Tourism, Hamza Al-Olayani, has highlighted the necessity for the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) to implement sustainable tourism standards, a decision driven by an in-depth analysis of the region’s current situation. This analysis was conducted by experts with the backing of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), emphasizing the importance of aligning Petra’s tourism practices with globally recognized methodologies approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This move reflects Petra’s dedication to maintaining its status as a world-renowned destination while ensuring its tourism industry operates sustainably.
Al-Olayani further explained that the PDTRA is resolute in its commitment to integrating international standards into Petra’s tourism framework. This ambitious project is set to be rolled out in multiple phases, underscoring the importance of both international cooperation and local partnerships. By collaborating with a wide range of organizations, the PDTRA aims to ensure that the implementation of these standards is both comprehensive and effective, touching all aspects of Petra’s tourism infrastructure.
A significant portion of this initiative is funded by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has provided essential resources to kick-start the project. The funding will be directed towards various critical components, including training programs, qualification processes, and awareness campaigns. These efforts are designed to educate and guide stakeholders across Petra’s tourism sectors, ensuring they are well-equipped to adopt and maintain sustainable practices.
The PDTRA’s approach is not only focused on the private tourism sector but also involves the public sector, particularly the government agencies that play a crucial role in managing Petra’s tourism operations. By applying these international standards to the PDTRA itself, as well as other relevant government departments, the initiative aims to create a unified and cohesive approach to sustainable tourism in the region. This holistic strategy is expected to enhance the overall quality and sustainability of tourism in Petra, ensuring that both public and private entities work in tandem towards common goals.
Training and qualification are at the heart of this project, with the PDTRA recognizing the need for continuous capacity building among tourism professionals. Awareness campaigns will be pivotal in this regard, as they will help to spread knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism practices among local businesses, tourists, and the broader community. These campaigns are expected to foster a culture of sustainability that resonates throughout Petra, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy.
In conclusion, the PDTRA’s initiative to implement GSTC-approved sustainable tourism standards represents a forward-thinking approach to preserving Petra’s heritage while promoting responsible tourism. Through strategic partnerships, international funding, and a phased implementation plan, Petra is poised to become a model of sustainable tourism, setting an example for other heritage sites around the world..
