King urges implementation of Wadi Rum development masterplan

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday stressed the importance of implementing the Wadi Rum development masterplan, drafted by a technical committee formed in November and headed by the tourism minister.

King Abdullah commended the efforts of the committee, which included representatives of public and private entities, and has issued its recommendations after discussions with the local community, to examine tourism and service-related challenges in the area, according to a Royal Court statement.

During a meeting at the Wadi Rum visitor centre with those involved in the technical committee, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty highlighted the need to create a follow-up mechanism on the plan’s implementation, with regular progress reports.

The King cited Wadi Rum as a key tourist destination that must receive better attention to offer a comprehensive and unique tourism product.

His Majesty described the committee’s recommendations as a step in the right direction in order to improve the quality of services and activities in Wadi Rum.

The King called for integrating the development of the “Golden Triangle” of Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Petra, as well as the southern region as a whole, to prepare for the upcoming tourism season.

His Majesty said development plans have to positively benefit the local community, urging their engagement in planning and development.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said the masterplan covered two tracks, with the first aimed at regulating tourism activity and organising camps within six months.

The second long-term track entails a strategy to review previous plans and studies to develop the tourism product, while also covering urban planning, geographical expansion, and empowering local communities.

Tourism Minister Makram Queisi, who heads the technical committee for the Wadi Rum masterplan, gave a briefing on the phases of the plan’s projects, and relevant measures, noting that implementation will be in partnership with the local community.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Interior Minister Mazen Farraya, Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Chief Commissioner Nayef Al Fayez, and a number of officials attended the meeting.