Petra tourism faces challenges amid regional tensions, says Braizat
By : News Editor
Jordan Daily – Fares Breizat , the Chief Commissioner of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), firmly denied any sale or rental of land to foreigners in the historic city of Petra. Braizat emphasized that Jordanian law prohibits such transactions.
In a recent television appearance on A ONE TV, Braizat also announced that a revised regulation would soon be enacted, reiterating that it would not permit foreign ownership of land in Petra. Instead, the authority is exploring the potential for Jordanian private sector involvement in managing certain services, recognizing its role in economic development.
A critical decision has been made to enforce the rule of law in Petra and address all violations and encroachments. Braizat highlighted that there are currently 2,500 cases of violations and in Petra under judicial review. These infractions have negatively impacted Petra’s status, placing it on the list of endangered World Heritage Sites and necessitating immediate intervention to uphold the rule of law.
Petra contributes a significant $1 billion to Jordan’s tourism revenue, and ongoing violations threaten the sustainability of tourism investments in the area. Braizat pointed out that while Petra saw a resurgence in visitor numbers despite regional conflicts, the recent Iranian drone incursions into Jordanian airspace en route to Israel have substantially dampened this recovery.
Braizat revealed a stark decline in visitor numbers due to the ongoing war in Gaza, with an 87% drop in bookings leading to the closure of 25 out of 76 hotels in Petra. “The decline continues,” he stated grimly.
However, Braizat offered a glimmer of hope, noting that 1,400 hotel rooms are currently under construction, which will bring the total number of rooms to 5,000 by 2026. These are entirely local investments.
He concluded by stating that the full revival of tourism in Petra hinges on the end of the war. Additionally, Breizat disclosed ongoing coordination with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to jointly promote their tourist sites, particularly in emerging markets.
