Petra, May 31 (Petra) -- The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) and the administration of the Badaling Great Wall of China have entered into a twinning agreement aimed at deepening cooperation in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and destination management.

The agreement was signed on Sunday during an official ceremony in Beijing, marking a new chapter in cultural and tourism relations between Jordan and China. The signing brought together PDTRA Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Adnan Al Sawair, representatives of the Badaling administration, Jordan’s Ambassador to China Hossam Al-Husseini, and senior officials from both sides.

The partnership links two of the world’s most renowned heritage attractions. Petra, the ancient Nabataean city and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. The Great Wall of China, one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a remarkable achievement of human civilization, attracts approximately 17 million visitors each year.

Under the agreement, the two sides will work together on initiatives related to heritage site management, tourism development, technical cooperation, and professional training. The partnership also provides a framework for sharing expertise and best practices in preserving and promoting globally significant cultural landmarks.

A key component of the agreement focuses on joint tourism marketing. Petra and Badaling will exchange promotional materials and coordinate efforts to increase international visibility, attract more visitors, and highlight the unique historical value of both destinations.

Al Sawair said the agreement reflects Petra’s growing international outreach and reinforces its status as a globally recognized cultural treasure. He noted that cooperation with one of China’s most prominent heritage sites will create opportunities for knowledge exchange while strengthening tourism ties between the two countries.

He added that the partnership is expected to support broader efforts to engage the Chinese tourism market, one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, while contributing to sustainable tourism growth and benefiting local communities.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts symbolizing the longstanding friendship and cultural connections between Jordan and China.

// Petra// WH