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AMMAN — The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) on Tuesday evening marked the 19th anniversary of Petra's selection as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by organising a Nabataean poetry festival.
PDTRA Chief Commissioner Adnan Sawair said that the anniversary represents an important national occasion to celebrate Petra's global achievement and reflects pride in the unique status of the rose-red city as one of the world's most significant cultural and historical landmarks, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
He said that Petra's selection as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 was not only a recognition of its historical and archaeological significance but also marked a turning point in enhancing its position on the global tourism map and increasing international interest in its rich cultural heritage.
Sawair said that PDTRA continues to implement plans and programmes aimed at developing the tourism and cultural product, enhancing the visitor experience and improving services at the archaeological site and its surrounding area in a manner that reflects Petra's global standing while preserving its historical and human value.
He added that the authority is working to boost the role of culture and heritage in supporting tourism development by organising high-quality events that connect visitors with Jordan's authentic heritage, stimulate tourism activity and create economic opportunities for the local community.
The chief commissioner also stressed the importance of cooperation with national partners to reinforce Petra's position as a leading global tourism and cultural destination.
The featured performances by leading Jordanian Nabataean poets, who recited patriotic, heritage and social-themed poems that were warmly received by the audience.
The festival programme included performances by leading Jordanian Nabataean poets, the screening of the documentary Caravans of Petra, a musical performance by artist Okasha Hilalat, and an exhibition of traditional clothing, local products and handicrafts, providing artisans and local producers with a platform to showcase their work and introduce visitors to Petra's cultural heritage.
As part of the celebrations, PDTRA illuminated Al Khazneh (The Treasury) with colourful lighting displays and designs symbolising the significance of the global milestone and Petra's status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The special illumination highlighted the city's enduring place on the international tourism map and created a distinctive atmosphere at the archaeological site.
The anniversary celebration reflects ongoing efforts to reinforce Petra's status as a global tourism and cultural destination and raise awareness of its historical and human significance.
Petra, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, remains a national symbol and a world-renowned destination attracting visitors from across the globe.
