The project includes supporting the establishment and development of new businesses and projects in the tourism sector, enhancing the capabilities of entrepreneurs and local communities in developing tourism products and services, marketing, promotion, and market access, achieving direct and sustainable economic benefits for local communities.
The project targets local communities in Wadi Musa, Al-Taibeh, Um Sayhun, Al-Rajeef, Dhiban, and Beidha, by developing tourism products and experiences based on local cultural, heritage, and natural assets, linking them to the tourism product in Petra.
The project focuses on enhancing the institutional capacities of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, developing work and planning mechanisms in community tourism development, and leveraging Japanese expertise and experiences in local development, capacity building, and tourism marketing.
The project places special emphasis on empowering women and enhancing their economic participation in the tourism sector, by supporting local initiatives and projects and developing skills and capabilities that enable women to benefit more from the economic opportunities provided by the tourism sector.
The Chairman of the Petra Region Board of Commissioners, Engineer Adnan Al-Suwaeiir, said that signing the minutes of discussions comes within the framework of the partnership and cooperation between Jordan and Japan, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in supporting sustainable development efforts in the Petra region and enhancing the role of local communities as a key partner in developing the tourism sector.
According to Al-Suwaeiir, the project will contribute to developing a model for sustainable community tourism in Petra, based on leveraging the region's tourism, cultural, and natural assets, maximizing the economic and social impact of tourism activities, and creating new opportunities for local community members.
Al-Suwaeiir expects the project to support the Authority's efforts to enhance Petra's status as a sustainable and leading tourist destination in Jordan, by developing an integrated tourism experience that goes beyond visiting the archaeological site to include heritage, culture, nature, local products, crafts, and experiences, enhancing Petra's competitiveness and sustainability of its tourism sector.
