31/05/2026
Petra and the Great Wall of China Sign Twinning Agreement to Enhance Cooperation in Heritage, Tourism, and Sustainable Development
Beijing — The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority and the Badaling Great Wall Administration in Beijing, People's Republic of China, signed a twinning and cooperation agreement today, Sunday, 31 May 2025, aimed at strengthening partnership and advancing cooperation in heritage site management, sustainable tourism development, cultural heritage protection, and joint tourism promotion.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority by Engineer Adnan Al-Sawair, Chief Commissioner of the Authority, while the Chinese side was represented by the Badaling Administration of the Great Wall of China.
The signing ceremony took place at the Badaling Administrative Centre in the Chinese capital, Beijing, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Hussam Al-Husseini, Jordanian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, as well as a number of officials and representatives from both sides.
This agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to enhancing cooperation between two of the world's most prominent heritage sites. Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Great Wall of China, also one of the New Seven Wonders and among the greatest civilisational achievements and most visited heritage sites globally, attracting approximately 17 million visitors annually.
The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in tourism and heritage destination management, exchange technical and technological expertise, develop training and capacity-building programmes, and implement joint initiatives and activities that contribute to stimulating tourism and enhancing cultural exchange between the two friendly nations.
The agreement also provides for the exchange and display of promotional materials between the two parties, thereby enhancing joint promotion of Petra and Badaling and attracting more visitors to both sites, as part of mutual marketing efforts aimed at raising global awareness of the cultural and historical value of each destination.
Engineer Adnan Al-Sawair, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, affirmed that the signing of this agreement represents a significant milestone in Petra's international cooperation journey and reflects the global standing enjoyed by the Rose City as a unique civilisational and human symbol.
He stated: "This twinning between Petra and the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China constitutes a strategic bridge for cultural and tourism cooperation between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the People's Republic of China, and opens wide horizons for the exchange of expertise and best practices in the management of world heritage sites. It will also contribute to enhancing joint promotion and tapping into the Chinese market, which is one of the fastest-growing and highest-spending tourism markets in the world, thereby boosting visitor flows to both sites."
He added that the agreement aligns with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority's vision of expanding its international partnerships and building strategic relationships with leading global heritage destinations, contributing to sustainable development, supporting local communities, and enhancing Petra's position on the global tourism map.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative shields and symbolic gifts reflecting the rich cultural and civilisational heritage of both parties, in affirmation of the depth of relations and friendship between the Jordanian and Chinese peoples.
