PM, Cabinet members review plans for Petra with officials, community leaders

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday vowed to protect the Petra region as a unique area in the Kingdom due to its heritage and potential.

He made his remarks during a “working visit” to the southern district, where the premier said that he and the accompanying Cabinet members went to “make decisions rather than check on the situation”.

One of these decisions, he announced, is to raise the share of the Petra Development Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) in the revenues from tickets sold to tourists visiting the ancient Nabataean city from 35 per cent to 50 per cent.

Ministers took turns  outlining plans and achievements made within a “comprehensive approach” that characterises the blueprint designed to develop the area, in the security, health, industrial, water, agriculture and public works sectors.  

The region will, under the plan, see more police presence to protect the area and its assets and visitors, more healthcare facilities and staff appointments, among other services.

The meeting was attended by lawmakers representing the area, officials and community leaders, who outlined their demands and provided input to the plans under way and in the pipeline. 

Unemployment, disorganised planning, obstacles facing farmers and untapped renewable energy potential were among the problems cited by speakers. 

Ensour and the ministerial team had met with PDTRA and listened to plans drawn up to better the region, around 250km from Amman.

The premier promised to expedite legislation needed to carry out these plans, especially a bylaw governing the Petra Archaeological Reserve.

“This visit is meant to make a difference and leave an impact,” the premier said.