Queen Rania of Jordan has accepted an official certificate of candidacy announcing Petra as one of 21 finalists in the campaign to name the New Seven Wonders of the World.  Swiss adventurer, Bernard Weber began the campaign to compose an updated list of the world’s most important marvels in 1999. His foundation aims to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring the world’s most significant monuments.

According to Weber, the New Seven Wonders of the World initiative aims to instill a common pride in global cultural heritage. From an initial 200 candidates, nominations were reduced to 77 by means of a public voting system.

A panel of architectural experts, chaired by former UNESCO chief, Federico Mayor, has since shortened the list to 21.

Public voting, via the internet and by telephone will continue until July 06, and winners will be announced the following day, on July 7, in Lisbon. So far, the worldwide competition has attracted unprecedented interest, with more than 20 million votes counted.

 Support from within the region is mounting, and efforts to encourage voting range from leaflet distribution to sponsorship campaigns.

In celebration of Petra’s nomination, a one day ling festival was staged at Petra, offering a combination of musical performances and historical re-enactments.

The nomination of Petra has enormous potential to drive tourism into the country, according to the Jordan Tourism Board. Whether directly or indirectly affected, all sectors of the industry are supporting Petra’s efforts, such Arab Wings, Jordanian Duty Free.

PETRA NOMINATED A NEW 07 WONDER

 February 2007

Intercontinental hotels group is to add two properties to its Jordanian portfolio. The hotel chain has signed a management contract with Jordan’s Social Security Corporation for the 420 room Crowne Plaza Resort and 202 rooms Holiday Inn Resort, both located at the Dead Sea. This will bring the number of properties operated by the company in Jordan to a total seven.

Crowne Plaza Resort which is set on a 70,000 m2 site will offer a wide range of facilities consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand. Holiday Inn Resort, which is built on a 41,000 m2   site, will comprise 74 room and 128 chalets.

In addition, the existing Intercontinental Jordan is currently undergoing a complete renovation with 176 rooms being revamped.

Intercontinental Moving on to the Dead Sea

Rotana Hotels has announced that the prestigious Abdali Area development project will be home to Amman Rotana Hotel.

A deal has been signed with Abdali Investment and Development PSC. Amman Rotana Hotel will be the hotel group’s first property in Jordan and set to open by the end of 2008. The new 5* hotel will feature 450 room and suites, a variety of food and beverage venues, state of the art meeting rooms and a number of leisure facilities.

AMMAN Rotana Hotel