Authorities close popular Treasury overlook in bid to increase safety

AMMAN — Authorities on Wednesday closed a ridge commonly used for photographs overlooking Petra’s Treasury in an effort to minimise risks in the ancient city.

Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Chief Commissioner Sulaiman Farajat said that the decision was implemented in cooperation with security agencies to reduce negative practices and risks.

Closing the overlook fell within the framework of a security campaign conducted by the PDTRA in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, represented by the Public Security Department (PSD) and Gendarmerie, he added in a press statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Authorities also closed the road leading up to the ridge citing repeated complaints.

Authorities took this measure to save visitors’ lives, Petra District Governor Sultan Madi said, noting that authorities’ plan includes removing all violations inside the ancient city, some 235km south of Amman, clearly marking visitor trails, and erecting barriers and signs.

To improve the experience of tourists, the plan also includes better regulating the entry of service providers, such as guides, to the rose-red city, Petra added.