July 12 - Tourism officials detailed the challenges facing Petra and future plans to develop the area during celebrations last week marking the third anniversary since the site was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh said several issues need to be addressed to turn the site into a world-class tourism destination.

These include the seasonality of tourism at the site, inadequate services provided to tourists, negative practices that harm the site, a lack of human resources and financial challenges, he noted.

To address these challenges, the PDTRA will next week start drafting a master plan designed to develop the region for the coming 20 years, Shraideh explained.

"We will define the developmental needs in the region and come up with a plan to tackle these needs," Shraideh said, adding that the strategy will be developed in cooperation with the local community, NGOs and other concerned governmental institutions.

He said the plan will include development, environmental and investment projections, noting that it will be finalised in April 2011.