King’s Petra visit a powerful catalyst to improve tourism industry — PDTRA chief

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to Petra on Sunday reflects the King’s  interest in the tourism sector and emphasises the need to improve the sector to attract investment and raise the level of competitiveness, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Chairman of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Board of Commissioners Suleiman Farajat said that the Royal visit is a powerful catalyst to improve the tourism industry and support the authority’s efforts.

The PDTRA attaches great importance to diversifying tourism products in Petra to help ensure the sustainability of tourism activities, prolong visitors' stay and create jobs for locals, Farajat said.

Highlighting the authority’s efforts towards diversifying tourism, Farajat said that the PDTRA is working to open the Cultural Village in Al Bayda region and the Al Bayda Visitor Centre this year, in addition to organising festivals and inviting international musicians, and conducting studies to establish a conference centre, which will help in minimising the impact of tourism seasonality.

Head of the Petra Hotels Association Tariq Tweisi commended the timing of the Royal visit, noting that His Majesty has focused on the challenges facing the district, notably those affecting tourism investments, and has issued directives to resolve problems to attract new ventures, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.