Khaberni - Representatives of the tourism sector and the local community in Petra express their dismay over the stifling economic crisis the city is experiencing due to the decline in tourist activity because of regional conditions and wars, which has damaged livelihoods and increased unemployment rates.
They called, through a statement received by Khaberni, for the immediate adoption of an emergency rescue plan and the provision of financial support packages for establishments and employees to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
They also called for enhancing Jordan's image as a safe and stable destination and distinguishing it from regional disturbances in promotional campaigns.
They demanded in the statement the involvement of local community members and sector representatives in the tourist decision-making process.
Following is the text of the statement:
A statement issued by the tourism activities, service providers, and the local community in Petra
We the workers in the tourism sector in the city of Petra, from hotel owners, travel agencies, tour guides, restaurants, shops, and service providers, alongside members of the local community, express our deep concern and dismay about the situation the region has recently been going through, which is an extension of ongoing suffering for several years.
The tourism sector in Petra has been directly and significantly affected by regional conditions and ongoing wars in the area, accompanied by a sharp decline in visitor numbers, which has negatively reflected on various economic and livelihood aspects of life in the city, which primarily relies on tourism as a main source of income.
The continued decline without real and effective interventions places Petra in front of serious challenges, threatening the sustainability of the tourism sector, increasing unemployment rates, and affecting the stability of the entire local community.
Therefore, we demand the following:
Developing a clear emergency plan to save the tourism sector in Petra.
Providing urgent support packages for tourism establishments and their employees.
Intensifying marketing efforts in global markets without associating tourism with regional situations.
Involving local sector representatives in making decisions related to tourism.
Enhancing the confidence of global markets in Jordan as a safe and stable destination.
Petra, as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, deserves to be a forefront of concern, and its crisis should be addressed in a manner befitting its historical and economic value.
Issued by: The tourism activities, service providers, and the local community in Petra
