The project will help Jordan protect some of its most important historical and ecological sites, including the world-renowned Petra, while generating increased tourism income for the country. More than 1.1 million tourists visit Jordan every year. Urban rehabilitation, coupled with enforcement of land-use plans, are planned under the project and are expected to lead to improvements in the quality of life for the local populations of the Petra region, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and Karak, as well as to improvements in the experience of tourists.
Tourism is Jordan's second-largest generator of foreign exchange after remittances.
The sector is also an important jobs generator, currently employing more than 8,000 people directly, and far more in other sectors linked to tourism. The Petra Region Infrastructure Development and Environmental Management component, the project's largest, calls for road rehabilitation and improvement works as well as urban infrastructure development and environmental management. In addition, the component will enhance the archaeological site entrance area by redesigning and increasing the capacity of the Visitor Center. The Wadi Rum Development and Environmental Conservation component focuses on protecting the environment of Wadi Rum while providing needed infrastructure and tourism facilities. It also targets the creation of income-generating opportunities for the local population, in particular, a handicrafts center for Bedouin women.