Petra: A delegation from the NATO Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee visited Petra to observe the effects of regional instability on Jordan's tourism sector, with a particular focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to Jordan News Agency, Fares Braizat, the Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), delivered a presentation highlighting the challenges faced by Petra's tourism industry due to the current regional situation. Braizat noted that Petra's tourism heavily depends on visitors from Europe and North America, but regional turmoil has significantly reduced their numbers, negatively impacting both the national economy and local communities reliant on tourism.
Braizat emphasized that ongoing regional tensions exacerbate these difficulties and called for domestic and international efforts to promote Jordan's image and present Petra as a safe and secure destination. He advocated for enhanced cooperation between Jordan and NATO countries to collectively convey a message of safety and stability, crucial for the growth of tourism in the region.
Members of the NATO delegation stressed the importance of security and stability as fundamental elements for sustainable economic development and support for local communities. This visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, to enhance cooperation between Jordan and NATO, particularly in areas that support tourism, economic resilience, and regional stability.