Petra, Sept. 15 (Petra) -- The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have agreed to implement a three-year project aimed at expanding community-based tourism and increasing local participation in the region’s tourism economy.

The two sides signed a record of discussions for the Sustainable Tourism Community Development Project, which will target Wadi Musa, Taybeh, Umm Sayhoun, Rajif, Dlagha and Beidha, the authority said Tuesday.

Running for 36 months, the project will support the development of tourism businesses, products and experiences built around the cultural, heritage and natural assets of communities surrounding Petra and connect them more closely with the destination’s wider tourism offering.

It will also help local entrepreneurs and communities strengthen their capabilities in product and service development, marketing, promotion and market access, with the aim of generating direct and sustainable economic benefits from tourism.

The project seeks to establish effective mechanisms for promoting tourism services and locally developed products while making greater use of the region’s tangible and intangible resources.

PDTRA Chief Commissioner Adnan Al-Sawair said the initiative builds on the longstanding cooperation between Jordan and Japan and supports efforts to place local communities at the center of sustainable tourism development in Petra.

The project will draw on Japanese expertise in local development, capacity building and tourism marketing while strengthening PDTRA’s institutional capacity and planning for community-based tourism.

Women’s economic participation will be a particular focus, with the initiative supporting local businesses and projects and developing skills that can increase women’s access to opportunities generated by the tourism sector.

The project is also intended to help diversify Petra’s visitor experience beyond the archaeological site by incorporating local heritage, culture, nature, handicrafts and community-based products and experiences.

PDTRA said the initiative is expected to help develop a sustainable community tourism model that broadens the economic and social benefits of tourism, creates new opportunities for residents and strengthens Petra’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

//Petra// RZ