Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has achieved a milestone as Petra becomes the first city in the Arab World to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This accomplishment aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, reinforcing its commitment to positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

From May to August 2023, GSTC conducted a comprehensive Destination Assessment of Petra. Their expert assessors evaluated the management of the destination using the GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D), recognized as the global benchmark for sustainable destinations. This assessment highlighted Petra’s dedication to safeguarding its cultural and natural heritage while enhancing its tourism offerings.

GSTC in collaboration with  Nastadeem – the exclusive training partner for the (GSTC) in the Arab World – organized two key training sessions in Petra last year with support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

1. The first was held in May 2023. Twenty-four staff members from PDTRA participated in foundational training tailored to destination management.
2. The second was held in September 2023. Twenty-One diverse participants, including hotel managers, tour operators, guides, and local community representatives, attended an advanced session. This workshop empowered participants to integrate sustainable tourism principles into their daily operations.

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course aimed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools to implement sustainable tourism principles in their operations. The Authorized GSTC trainers who led the first course in Arab language were: Mr. Nabil Tarazi, Ms. Rawan Atallah, and Ms. Lina Al-Khaled from Nastadeem/EcoHotels.

PDTRA Deputy Chief Commissioner Eng. Hamzeh Al-Alayani emphasized the significance of these efforts, noting, “Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. By implementing GSTC standards, we aim to protect Petra’s natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable practices across all tourism sectors.”

Nastadeem remains a proud partner in Petra’s journey, providing expertise and tools to advance sustainable tourism and ensure long-term preservation of one of the world’s most treasured sites

GSTC Welcomes Petra

“We welcome Petra as a member of GSTC and congratulate them on their commitment to sustainable tourism development at their prominent and remarkable heritage site,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC. “We hope and expect them to benefit from the holistic approach of applying the GSTC Criteria to their management and their industry stakeholders.”

About Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA)

Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) is a governmental national institution that aims to develop the Petra region economically, socially and culturally and contribute to the development of the local community through the management of the region and the preservation and discover of urban heritage, develop the tourism process and provide proper investment environment to create sustainable development.

More information about PDTRA here