The Petra Archaeological Park (PAP), which covers an area of 264 dunums (264,000 square meters) within Wadi Musa, is considered a touristic and archaeological site, as well as a World Heritage Site registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985. The area encompasses a breathtaking landscape of pink-hued rock mountains, the focus of which is the amazing ancient Nabataean city of Petra, which was carved into the rock more than 2,000 years ago.
In August 2007, the Park was announced by virtue of a new bylaw as an autonomous legal entity with separate financial resources, whereby the management and maintenance of the Park is funded through an allocation from the state budget; foreign aids, grants and donations; a percentage of Park entrance fees; and fees from services provided inside the Park.
Who manages PAP?
The Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), established in 2009, controls the entire Petra Region (755 km2) including the Petra Archaeological Park, which covers 264 km2 of the land. The management of this section of land falls under the responsibility of the Petra Archaeological Park (PAP), a subordinate organization that reports to the PDTRA.
The PDTRA’s new role is the development of the Petra Region to economically capitalize on its potential in tourism; PDTRA is also responsible for other areas such as local community development, heritage management and protection, and the environment. The mandate of the PDTRA focuses on several areas, including:
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Managing and protecting the Petra archaeological Park
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Developing tourism
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Zoning and land use
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Stimulating investment
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Improving socio-economic conditions of local communities
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Sustainable development across the region
The PDTRA reports directly to the Prime Minister and is headed by a Chief Commissioner who is assisted by four deputy Commissioners. The deputy commissioners make up a council called “Commissioners Council” that manage the Authority and oversee its affairs. This council includes:
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PDTRA Chief Commissioner
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Deputy Chief Commissioner for Infrastructure Services
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Commissioner for Petra Archaeological Park & Cultural Heritage
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Commissioner for Tourism & Investment Affairs
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Commissioner for Community Development & Environment