June 11, 2024 — A visiting delegation from the PETRA Development Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), including representatives of the local community, recently participated in a training program as part of the Project for the Tourism Development Master Plan in the Petra region. On June 11, Ambassador Lina Annab and members of the Embassy team welcomed and met with the delegation along with officials from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The trainees are hosted by JICA, who is also sponsoringthe program.JICA has been instrumental in advancing the tourism sector through the construction of infrastructure and technical cooperation, aiming to develop a sustainable and resilient tourism industry that benefits local communities.
In Petra, JICA has been promoting sustainable tourism through the formulation of a master plan that includes the development of community-based tourism products, promotional activities, and the utilization of advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Petra Museum and technical cooperation projects are also part of JICA’s efforts to enhance the tourism experience and preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
Another community-based development project that JICA has supported is in As-Salt where JICA introduced the concept of an “Eco Museum,” which considers the entire city as a museum. This initiative has increased local community awareness about the value of their heritage and has made them more active in tourism-related activities.
The Embassy expresses its appreciation for JICA’s continuous support to the tourism sector, which continue to support the development of sustainable tourism practices and the empowerment of local communities.