Petra is the “lost city” in the sandstone cliffs of Jordan. It has captivated the imagination of travelers for centuries. Its history as a tourist destination is a fascinating journey, from its rediscovery in 1812 to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This essay will explore the evolution of Petra sightseeing, examining the factors that have shaped its appeal and accessibility over time.
1. Rediscovery and Early Exploration (1812-1900)
The modern history of Petra as a tourist destination began with its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
A. Johann Ludwig Burckhardt’s Discovery
Disguised as a Muslim Pilgrim:
- Burckhardt, a Swiss traveler and orientalist, disguised himself as a Muslim pilgrim to gain access to the hidden city.
- He convinced his guide that he wanted to offer a sacrifice at the tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses, located near Petra.
Brief Visit:
- Burckhardt’s visit to Petra was brief, but he recognized the significance of the ancient ruins.
- He published an account of his discovery in his book “Travels in Syria and the Holy Land,” which sparked interest in Petra among European scholars and travelers.
B. Early Explorers and Scholars
Limited Access:
- In the early 19th century, access to Petra was limited due to its remote location and the presence of local Bedouins.
- Travelers often had to negotiate with the Bedouins for safe passage and protection.
David Roberts’ Lithographs:
- Scottish painter David Roberts visited Petra in 1839 and created a series of detailed lithographs of the city’s monuments.
- These lithographs were published in his book “The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, & Nubia,” which further popularized Petra in Europe and America.
Scholarly Interest:
- European scholars began to study Petra’s history, architecture, and culture.
- They published books and articles that shed light on the Nabataean civilization and the significance of Petra as a trade hub.
C. Challenges of Early Tourism
Security Concerns:
- Security was a major concern for early travelers to Petra due to the presence of local Bedouins.
- Travelers often had to travel in armed caravans for protection.
Harsh Conditions:
- The journey to Petra was long and arduous, involving travel through rugged terrain and harsh desert conditions.
- Travelers needed to prepare well and ensure they were self-sufficient.
Limited Infrastructure:
- There were no hotels, restaurants, or other tourist facilities in or near Petra.
- Travelers had to camp in the open and rely on local Bedouins for food and water.
2. Increased Accessibility and Archaeological Research during Petra Sightseeing (1900-1985)
The 20th century saw increased accessibility to Petra and a growing interest in archaeological research.
A. Improved Transportation
Railways and Roads:
- The construction of railways and roads in the region made it easier for travelers to reach Petra.
- The Hejaz Railway, built in the early 20th century, connected Damascus to Medina and passed near Petra.
Motor Vehicles:
- The introduction of motor vehicles further improved access to Petra.
- Travelers could now drive to Petra from Amman and other major cities in Jordan.
B. Archaeological Excavations
Systematic Excavations:
- Systematic archaeological excavations began in Petra in the early 20th century.
- These excavations uncovered new monuments, artifacts, and insights into the history of the city.
Agnes Conway and George Horsfield:
- British archaeologists Agnes Conway and George Horsfield conducted extensive excavations in Petra in the 1930s.
- They documented the city’s monuments, studied its architecture, and uncovered new evidence about the Nabataean civilization.
C. Development of Tourism Infrastructure
First Hotels:
- The first hotels were in Wadi Musa, the town near Petra, to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
- These hotels provided basic amenities and services, such as accommodation, meals, and guided tours.
Visitor Center:
- A visitor center was established in Petra to provide information and assistance to tourists.
- The visitor center offered maps, brochures, and exhibits about the history and culture of Petra.
D. Challenges of Early Tourism Development
Balancing Tourism and Preservation:
- Balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of Petra’s archaeological sites was a major challenge.
- Uncontrolled tourism could damage the fragile monuments and disrupt the natural environment.
Impact on Local Communities:
- The development of tourism had a significant impact on local Bedouin communities.
- Displacing Bedouins from their traditional lands, while others found employment in the tourism industry.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Site and Modern Tourism in Petra Sightseeing (1985-Present)
Petra’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 marked a turning point in its history as a tourist destination.
A. UNESCO Recognition
Increased Awareness:
- UNESCO recognition raised international awareness of Petra’s cultural and historical significance.
- It attracted more tourists from around the world and generated funding for conservation efforts.
Conservation Efforts:
- UNESCO worked with the Jordanian government to develop a comprehensive management plan for Petra.
- The plan aimed to protect the site’s archaeological resources, manage tourism, and promote sustainable development.
B. Modern Tourism Infrastructure
Luxury Hotels:
- Luxury hotels and resorts were built in Wadi Musa to cater to high-end tourists.
- These hotels offered world-class amenities, exceptional service, and stunning views of Petra.
Improved Transportation:
- The road to Petra was improved, making it easier and faster to reach the site.
- Shuttle buses were introduced to transport tourists from the visitor center to the entrance of the Siq.
Visitor Facilities:
- Visitor facilities were upgraded, including restrooms, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
- The visitor center was expanded to provide more information and services to tourists.
C. Diversification of Tourist Activities
Guided Tours:
- Guided tours were offered in multiple languages, providing in-depth information about Petra’s history, architecture, and culture.
- Specialized tours were developed for different interests, such as archaeology, photography, and hiking.
Adventure Activities:
- Adventure activities were introduced, such as rock climbing, canyoning, and horseback riding.
- These activities appealed to younger and more adventurous tourists.
Cultural Experiences:
- Cultural experiences were offered, such as Bedouin dinners, traditional music performances, and cooking classes.
- These experiences provided tourists with a deeper understanding of Jordanian culture.
D. Challenges of Modern Tourism
Overcrowding:
- Overcrowding became a major problem, especially during peak season.
- The large number of tourists put a strain on Petra’s infrastructure and threatened its archaeological resources.
Environmental Impact:
- Tourism had a significant environmental impact, including pollution, waste disposal, and water scarcity.
- Efforts were made to promote sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using renewable energy.
Socioeconomic Issues:
- The benefits of tourism were not always evenly distributed among local communities.
- Some Bedouins continued to struggle with poverty and unemployment.
4. The Future of Petra Sightseeing Tour
The future of Petra sightseeing will depend on addressing the challenges of modern tourism and promoting sustainable development.
A. Sustainable Tourism Practices
Limiting Visitor Numbers:
- Limiting the number of visitors allowed into Petra each day could help reduce overcrowding and protect the site’s resources.
- This could be achieved through a permit system or by increasing entrance fees during peak season.
Promoting Off-Season Travel:
- Promoting travel to Petra during the off-season could help distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year.
- Through discounts, special events, and marketing campaigns.
Environmental Conservation:
- Implementing stricter environmental regulations could help reduce pollution, conserve water, and protect Petra’s natural environment.
- This could include banning vehicles from certain areas, promoting the use of renewable energy, and investing in waste management infrastructure.
B. Community Involvement during Petra Sightseeing
Empowering Local Communities:
- Empowering local Bedouin communities could help ensure that they benefit from tourism.
- This could include providing training and employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and promoting cultural tourism initiatives.
Cultural Preservation:
- Supporting cultural preservation efforts could help protect Petra’s unique heritage and promote cultural tourism.
- This could include funding archaeological research, restoring monuments, and preserving traditional crafts and customs.
C. Technological Innovations
Virtual Reality Tours:
- Virtual reality tours could allow tourists to experience Petra from the comfort of their own homes.
- This could help reduce overcrowding and provide access to Petra for people who are unable to travel.
Interactive Guides:
- Interactive guides could provide tourists with personalized information and recommendations based on their interests.
- This could enhance the visitor experience and promote a deeper understanding of Petra’s history and culture.
From its rediscovery in 1812 to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, Petra sightseeing has transformed remarkably as a tourist destination. Its appeal has evolved from a remote and mysterious lost city to a world-renowned archaeological site accessible to millions of visitors each year. To ensure the sustainable development of Petra for future generations, we must address the challenges of modern tourism, such as overcrowding, environmental impact, and socioeconomic issues. By implementing sustainable tourism practices, empowering local communities, and embracing technological innovations, Petra can continue to captivate the imagination of travelers and preserve its unique heritage for centuries to come. Contact us to book your next Petra sightseeing tour.
