Latest news with #PDTRA
Middle East Eye
7 days ago
- General
- Middle East Eye
Jordan forcibly evicting Bedul Bedouins in Petra, says Human Rights Watch
The Jordanian government is forcibly evicting a Bedouin tribe in Southern Jordan from their homes in Petra, according to Human Rights Watch. The Bedul are the oldest known inhabitants of the land surrounding the archaeological site, which has become a global tourist hotspot attracting upwards of a million visitors. Interview footage and court documents reviewed by Human Rights Watch reveal a number of measures taken by the Jordanian government aimed at evicting the Bedul that Human Rights Watch describes as 'coercive'. These policies includes the suspension of water services, as well as social security payments and salaries for Bedul residents employed by the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA). Other Bedul residents have experienced arbitrary detention without charge, with release contingent upon their consenting to eviction. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters 'Jordan's displacement of the Bedul from their historic homes in Petra puts their culture at risk,' said Adam Coogle, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch. 'The Jordanian government should halt the relocations and respect the rights of Petra's Bedouin community.' Petra's semi-nomadic Bedul community, who live in caves and tents in the Stooh al-Nabi Harun Mountain, first faced a government-led eviction campaign when Petra was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1985. Jordan: Petra flash floods trigger evacuation of 1,700 people Read More » However, approximately 50 Bedul families refused to participate in the resettlement process, remaining at the site until the present day. Fares al-Braizat, chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), described the eviction process as part of a campaign 'to enhance the rule of law' and eliminate 'sources of threat' to tourists. Coogle, on the other hand, said: 'Jordan can't claim to protect Petra's living heritage while sidelining the very community that embodies it.' 'It should work, together with Unesco, to uphold the rights of the Bedul and ensure their full participation in the shaping of the future of the site they've called home for generations,' he added. Bedouin tribes, whose dwellings pre-date modern nation state borders, have long suffered persecution across the region, including in the neighbouring occupied West Bank, where Palestinian Bedouins have suffered attacks from Israeli settlers.
Ammon
10-07-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Petra lights up in Mexican colors to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
Ammon News - The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) illuminated the iconic Treasury monument in the colors of the Mexican flag on Wednesday evening, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Mexico. The gesture, described as symbolic yet significant, formed part of a broader celebration highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two nations. The event underscored a shared commitment to cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration across a range of sectors. Speaking at the ceremony, PDTRA Chairman Fares Braizat emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships. "Petra is a universal symbol of human and civilizational heritage," he said. "We are honored that it serves as the backdrop for this occasion, which reflects the depth of Jordanian-Mexican relations." Braizat noted that the lighting of the Treasury not only commemorates the historical milestone but also reaffirms Jordan's commitment to fostering global cooperation, particularly in tourism, culture, and sustainable development. Officials said the initiative aims to boost cultural exchange and promote Petra as a platform for international engagement. The event also serves to highlight the city's role as a cultural and tourism bridge between civilizations. As part of efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, PDTRA is currently working with Mexican authorities to finalize a partnership agreement between Petra and Chichen Itza, both recognized as the New Seven Wonders of the World. The planned agreement will focus on collaborative tourism marketing, knowledge exchange in heritage site preservation, and the development of joint projects that support sustainable tourism and raise the international profile of both cities. Jordan and Mexico established formal diplomatic ties in 1975. Since then, relations have steadily grown, with increased cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: PDTRA chief explores enhanced tourism cooperation with UNWTO in Madrid
AMMAN — In a bid to strengthen international relations and expand avenues of tourism cooperation, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Fares Braizat met with Director of the Affiliate Members Department at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Ion Vilcu. The meeting, held at the organisation headquarters in Madrid, focused on exploring ways to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector, reviewing regional and global developments, addressing current challenges, and identifying collaborative efforts to promote sustainable tourism, according to a PDTRA statement. Braizat highlighted the 'significant' impact of regional instability on Jordan's tourism sector, particularly in Petra, which witnessed a 74 per cent decline in international visitors in 2024 compared to 2023. He stressed the 'vital' role of UNWTO in shaping tourism policies and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise among countries and affiliate members. The chief commissioner praised the ongoing partnership between PDTRA and UNWTO, noting that Petra has been an affiliate member since 2023. He underscored that this cooperation opens new horizons for promoting Petra globally and supporting the site's tourism development. Vilcu welcomed the collaboration with PDTRA, praising Jordan's efforts in promoting cultural and heritage tourism. He highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of tourism destinations and sustainable growth for local communities. This meeting aligns with PDTRA's 'strategic' vision to enhance international presence and foster cooperation with global tourism stakeholders, aiming to boost Petra's position as a leading global destination, the statement added.
Jordan News
31-05-2025
- Jordan News
Al-Braizat and Abu Danneh Emphasize Importance of Integrating Key Archaeological Sites into Petra's Tourism Routes
Dr. Suleiman Al-Farajat, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), and Dr. Fawzi Abu Danneh, Director General of the Department of Antiquities, stressed the importance of integrating several significant archaeological sites in southern Jordan into Petra's tourism network during a field visit conducted on Saturday. اضافة اعلان According to a statement issued by the PDTRA, the visit included prominent archaeological locations near the road connecting Aqaba and Petra, making them potential main stops that could be linked to existing tourist routes. These sites contain skeletal remains and evidence of early settled life and agricultural practices, marking the transition from a hunting-based lifestyle to farming in human history. During the visit, Al-Braizat emphasized the importance of expanding the visitor experience in Petra to include sites like Jabal Al-Tahkim and Adhruh. He affirmed that sustainable tourism begins with involving local communities and preserving the identity of the place. He also called for developing a comprehensive vision to connect these sites to tourism paths that tell stories supporting global understanding of Nabataean and Islamic civilizations in the region. For his part, Abu Danneh highlighted the archaeological and scientific significance of these sites, noting that comprehensive scientific studies are being prepared to document them and include them in national and international heritage preservation programs. The delegation discussed several proposals to develop these sites, including infrastructure improvements, trail and site rehabilitation in cooperation with local communities, and the potential repurposing of 'Bayt Nazal' as a regional center for Nabataean heritage and archaeological documentation. The visit is part of integrated efforts to maximize the benefit of the cultural and historical legacy in the Petra region, within a sustainable development vision that reinforces national identity and supports economic and social growth. --- (Petra )
Jordan Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Spanish football legends Casillas, Salgado visit Petra
Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visit the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan (Petra photo) AMMAN — Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visited the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra continues to draw international figures with its historical and cultural significance, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The two footballers were welcomed by Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Fares Breizat, who briefed them on Petra's archaeological heritage, tourism appeal, and ongoing preservation efforts. Commemorative gifts were also presented to the guests in honour of their visit. Expressing his admiration, Casillas described Petra as 'majestic and beautiful', noting that the site exceeded his expectations and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans. Salgado called Petra not only a world-class archaeological treasure, but also a powerful symbol of Jordanian hospitality. He commended the organisation of the visit and the warm reception the delegation received. The visit comes as part of PDTRA's ongoing initiative to host influential global personalities to raise Petra's profile and promote Jordan as a premier tourism destination.
