AMMAN, JORDAN- US Agency for International Developments announced three new Jordan Tourism initiatives designed to thrust Jordan into a competitive position in the world tourism industry. The three initiatives will build on a decade of American partnerships and support of the tourism sectors through the local Jordanian government and organizations. The $38.3 million initiative will span a five-year time table with three primary objectives.

The Jordan Tourism Development Project II will be managed under the supervision of the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities and key stake holders. The primary goal of this division is to develop key tourist destinations and to strengthen the economical capacity of the governing institutes to guide this sector of tourism. 

The second phase of development, will be under the watchful eye of the Nature-Driven Rural Development in the Southern Region Project. The five-year plan calls for a collective link that will culminate into a world class tourist complex. The three primary tourist attractions, Petra, Dana, and the newly protected, Jebel Masuda will become one world-class complex. The result will be the development of an attraction geared to entice and entertain the global tourist market.

The third, but possibly one of the most vital partnerships will be the link between the Cultural and Environmental Tourist Project and the US National Park Services. Working closely with the local governing bodies, their goal is to enhance the tourist’s experience while protecting the natural resources of Jordan.