jordan pulse -
Petra, the Jewel of Jordan
(Our Tourism Workers' Struggles Are Our Own)
By Muhanna Nafi
Today, July 7th, marks the 17th anniversary of Petra's declaration as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra, also known as Al-Batra, regardless of the debate among writers, historians, and archaeologists about its name, remains the Rose City, captivating hearts and enchanting eyes, forever present in our collective memory. The debate over its name only highlights its special significance; some insist on dropping the hamza, tracing the name back to the Greek word "Petra" meaning rock, thus calling it the Rocky City, while others retain the hamza, referring to the root "btr," meaning to cut, thus calling it the Cut City. However, some accept both names, considering it now an Arabic word following the pattern "Fa'la."
Petra is one of six sites in Jordan listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, part of nearly nine hundred sites worldwide. Since becoming one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007, Petra has gained unprecedented media attention, elevating its global fame beyond many other wonders.
It is natural for tourist spots in any country to experience periods of decline in foreign tourist activity. Likewise, those managing service establishments at such sites, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, often offer various tourism packages to boost domestic tourism. Domestic tourism has always been a safety valve, ensuring the continuity of these services with minimal returns that cover daily expenses and provide a small profit during these times. If well-utilized by offering discounted rates to local citizens, domestic tourism can sustain all tourism establishments throughout the year.
We call for a collective, organized campaign of genuine offers with substantial discounts. The estimated sixty thousand workers at these sites, plus many other professions such as shops and transport services reliant on tourism, likely exceed half a million people, including their families. They are our people, and their hardships are our hardships.
Conversely, we urge citizens to take advantage of this brief period and enjoy these sites at reduced, encouraging costs. I am not referring to the exceptional "Our Jordan is a Paradise" programs occasionally launched but advocating for a collective initiative by those in charge of these sites, running for a specific period, ensuring citizens receive the lowest possible rates for their stay. This approach would make returning tourists promoters of their positive local tourism experience rather than detractors. Petra, the Rose City, like all our archaeological sites and tourist spots, welcomes visitors from across Jordan, whose loyalty and expertise ensure excellent services, ready for the upcoming prosperous tourism season.