Publications
Point–Axis System Theory with GIS Spatial Analysis in Geospatial Big Data: A Case Study of the Petra World Heritage Site
A new framework integrating Point–Axis System (PAS) Theory with GIS and geospatial big data reveals how high-capacity corridors, such as Petra's Siq passage, redistribute tourist flows and intensify exposure around iconic heritage sites like Al-Khazneh. This approach quantifies pole attraction and axis strength, enabling precise identification of leverage points for congestion management and conservation. The study introduces a composite Pole–Axis Index (PAI) that fuses gravity, performance, and accessibility metrics, offering actionable insights for heritage-sensitive tourism planning. Practical applications include optimized visitor infrastructure siting, route design, and policy scenario monitoring, while social benefits extend to spatial equity in access and protection of outstanding universal value.
Geophysical Surveys at Petra World Heritage Site
A buried tomb containing the remains of at least 11 human skeletons was discovered beneath Petra, Jordan, following geophysical surveys using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The GPR identified a subsurface chamber, which subsequent excavations confirmed as an ancient burial site. This discovery sheds new light on Petra's historical significance and funerary practices, contributing to ongoing research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of non-invasive geophysical techniques in uncovering hidden archaeological features without causing damage to the site.
Tourism impacts and well-being in heritage tourism: the role of discrete emotions and site sustainability characteristics
International visitors' perceptions of tourism impacts at Petra, Jordan, significantly influence their emotions and intentions to recommend the site. Positive experiences, such as happiness, love, and contentment, enhance evaluations of the site's sustainability and overall travel well-being, while negative emotions like anger or unpleasantness diminish these perceptions. The study, using cognitive appraisal theory (CAT) and the PERMA model, analyzed data from 1531 visitors to reveal that better sustainability perceptions and higher well-being directly contribute to positive recommendations for heritage sites. These findings underscore the importance of balancing tourism impacts with sustainability efforts to foster visitor satisfaction and long-term site preservation.
A Comprehensive Exploration of the Jordan Tourism Board's 2023 Strategic Planning, News, and Social Media
A content analysis of Jordan Tourism Board's 2023 news and social media reveals that cultural tourism, particularly at sites like Petra and Jerash, dominates narratives. The study identifies prevailing themes—architectural heritage, natural attractions, adventure, religious tourism, and seasonal events—and examines how these are strategically constructed to diversify Jordan’s tourism offerings. Key findings suggest a strong emphasis on leveraging digital platforms for global outreach while maintaining cultural authenticity, with implications for shaping Jordan's sustainable tourism growth.
Harnessing Heritage BIM for Enhanced Architectural Documentation of Ad Deir in Petra
Heritage Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a transformative tool for preserving intricate architectural details of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by its application at Ad Deir ('The Monastery') in Petra. This study demonstrates that integrating laser scanning technology with BIM workflows enables precise 3D documentation of complex heritage structures, surpassing traditional manual surveys and 2D drawings. The resulting digital model not only captures geometric and material data but also serves as a dynamic platform for future data integration, including historical records and conservation insights. This approach significantly enhances quality control in restoration efforts and supports evidence-based decision-making, offering a scalable solution for heritage preservation challenges.
Integrating User-Generated Content (UGC) with the Normative Approach to Define Indicators of Quality for Visitor Experience at Archaeodestinations
A novel integration of User-Generated Content (UGC) with the normative approach has successfully defined indicators for assessing visitor experience quality at Petra. This study leveraged 618 TripAdvisor reviews to extract insights that complement traditional on-site assessments, offering a more dynamic and adaptive methodology for heritage management. The findings highlight the potential of UGC in providing real-time, data-driven evaluations of visitor experiences while balancing preservation needs. This approach not only enhances the understanding of visitor perceptions but also equips managers with actionable recommendations for sustainable tourism practices at archaeodestinations.
Navigating the challenges of over-tourism: comparative insights and solutions from Petra and Karnak
Over-tourism at UNESCO World Heritage Sites Petra and Karnak shares critical challenges, including environmental degradation, structural damage, social inequality, and cultural erosion. A comparative study using qualitative methods—interviews, field observations, and document analysis—reveals that both sites suffer from overcrowding, irresponsible tourist behavior, and inadequate management, despite their distinct contexts. The research underscores the need for tailored solutions, such as improved crowd control, eco-friendly transportation, waste management, and community-led conservation to preserve these sites' historical integrity. These findings offer practical insights for sustainable tourism, balancing preservation with visitor experience.
The Nabataean monumental rock‐cut tombs of Mughāyir Shuʿayb and al‐Aṣīfir in the oasis of al‐Badʿ (Saudi Arabia): Preliminary architectural study and spatial organisation of the necropolis
A new study reveals that the Nabataean rock-cut tombs in al-Badʿ oasis, Saudi Arabia, exhibit standardized architectural and decorative techniques while also reflecting local cultural adaptations. Analyzing 35 tombs across two necropolises—Mughāyir Shuʿayb and al-Aṣīfir—the research provides the first comprehensive overview of their construction processes, investment levels, and social hierarchy within the Nabataean world. The findings highlight the site's strategic economic, political, and cultural significance along the Red Sea caravan route to Petra and other Levantine centers. This multiscalar examination underscores both regional standardization and individual or topographical influences in funerary architecture.
A cognitive appraisal perspective of emotional accessibility at heritage sites: empirical evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra
A study of 1,531 international visitors to Petra reveals that tourist motivation enhances emotional accessibility, defined as the ability to experience emotions during site visits. While motivation influences perceived positive tourism impacts but not negative ones, only positive impacts significantly contribute to emotional accessibility, which in turn shapes both positive and negative felt emotions. These factors are strongly linked to tourist satisfaction, offering insights for managing heritage experiences to foster cultural sustainability.
Exploring tourists’ experiences when visiting Petra archaeological heritage site: voices from TripAdvisor
A four-dimensional model of visitor experiences at Petra, derived from TripAdvisor reviews, reveals that satisfaction is strongly tied to architectural appreciation (buildings, temples, monasteries), safety, and guided tours, while dissatisfaction stems from high costs, animals, carriages, local interactions, and shops. Using content analysis on 1,419 reviews with Leximancer software, the study identified seven dominant themes—entrance, trip, monastery, buildings, animal, carriage, and safe—and applied Herzberg’s two-factor theory to distinguish satisfiers (e.g., 'excellent' or 'very good' ratings) from dissatisfiers ('terrible' or 'poor'). This approach provides actionable insights for heritage management by pinpointing key drivers of tourist satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
Learning from Participatory Practices: The Integrated Management Plan for Petra World Heritage Site in Jordan
A groundbreaking participatory approach to heritage management has successfully empowered stakeholders at Petra, Jordan's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2019 Integrated Management Plan, the first legally recognized for the site, emerged from a two-year collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders. This methodology fostered interdisciplinary consensus and established a management model adaptable to other cultural heritage sites in Jordan and beyond. The study reflects on this innovative process, highlighting its transformative impact on traditionally marginalized voices and its potential as a legacy for future conservation efforts.
Sustainability of Green Tourism by International Tourists and Its Impact on Green Environmental Achievement: Petra Heritage, Jordan
A study on Petra, Jordan, reveals that international tourists' attitudes toward green tourism are significantly shaped by their environmental concerns and perceptions of sustainability. While subjective norms negatively influence visitors' intentions to engage in sustainable practices, these norms positively affect their overall attitudes. Environmental concerns and the desire for green tourism substantially impact ecologically responsible behavior among tourists. The research used an expanded Theory of Planned Behavior framework and a descriptive analysis survey involving 400 international tourists at Petra. These findings underscore the complex interplay between individual attitudes, social influences, and environmental consciousness in promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The Influence of Electronic Word-of-mouth, Destination Image, and Tourist Satisfaction on UNESCO World Heritage Site Revisit Intention: An Empirical Study of Petra, Jordan
A strong relationship between electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM), tourist satisfaction, and revisit intention was identified at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, Jordan. However, destination image did not significantly impact revisit intentions. The study employed a quantitative research design with convenience sampling, analyzing data using G*Power software. These findings highlight the importance of e-WOM and satisfaction in shaping tourists' willingness to return, offering critical insights for Petra's marketing strategies both locally and globally.
Tour guides’ interpretation and tourists’ pro-environmental behavior: differences across cultural and natural world heritage sites
Research reveals that the type of UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) significantly influences how tour guides' interpretations affect tourists' pro-environmental behavior. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focused on general tourism contexts, this study found that cultural WHSs like Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan and natural WHSs like Serengeti National Park in Tanzania exhibit distinct patterns. Tour guides' performance more strongly correlates with tourists' satisfaction and subsequent pro-environmental actions at cultural sites compared to natural ones. The findings suggest that the nature of the heritage site—whether cultural or natural—moderates the relationship between guide interpretation, tourist experience, and behavior. This insight is critical for heritage management strategies aiming to promote sustainable tourism practices.
Being Bedouin Around Petra
A paradoxical tension emerges at Petra, Jordan, where the Bedouin—resettled from their traditional habitat due to UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1985—were later recognized as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2005. This study examines how Bedouin identity persists despite displacement, shaped by competing narratives such as tourism, heritage protection, national discourse, Islamic Revival, and New Age spiritualism. The research explores the disconnection between lived experience and cultural recognition, revealing how oral traditions and landscape relationships endure even when physical habitation ceases.
One Hundred Years of Archaeological Work in Jordan
Over the past century, Jordan has made significant strides in archaeological and cultural heritage management. The establishment of the Department of Antiquities in 1923 marked a pivotal moment, leading to extensive excavations, surveys, and restoration efforts across the country. These initiatives, often conducted in collaboration with international institutions, have included the development of national and local museums, as well as the training of local archaeologists through university programs. Notably, Jordan has implemented comprehensive programs like MEGA-Jordan for inventorying and managing archaeological sites nationwide. This work has culminated in six Jordanian properties being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including Petra, Quseir Amra, Um er-Rasas, Wadi Rum, Baptism Site, and As-Salt.
Tour Guide and Tourist Loyalty Toward Cultural Heritage Sites: A Signaling Theory Perspective*
Tour guides at Petra World Heritage Site significantly influence tourists' loyalty, both directly and indirectly, by shaping their experience and satisfaction. This finding emerges from a study applying signaling theory and the stimulus-organism-response framework, analyzed through structural equation modeling with a sample of Petra visitors. The research reveals that tour guides act as key signals, mediating the relationship between tourist engagement and long-term loyalty. This work advances understanding in heritage tourism by highlighting the pivotal role of human guides in fostering visitor commitment, offering valuable insights for both theory and practical management.
Developing Petra: UNESCO, the World Bank, and America in the desert
A longitudinal study of Petra reveals that international development efforts, particularly those driven by the World Bank and USAID, have prioritized tourism over heritage preservation and local community support. These initiatives, while framed as conservation measures, were primarily focused on generating hard-currency revenue and monetizing Nabataean ruins, leading to an overburden of bureaucracy and consultancy culture rather than sustainable preservation or equitable benefits for local communities.
Heritage Management and Accessibility to World Heritage Sites in Jordan: A Field Work Analysis Study of Petra
Heritage management at Petra, Jordan's renowned World Heritage Site, has shifted from reactive to more functional approaches, yet accessibility challenges persist due to conceptual and practical difficulties. This study, the first of its kind in Jordan, critically examines cultural, physical, and financial accessibility for tourists through fieldwork, including site inspections and interviews with tour guides and visitors. Findings reveal that while policy shifts aim to improve accessibility, comprehensive measures remain underimplemented, highlighting gaps between planning and execution. The research underscores the need for more actionable strategies to address these barriers effectively.
Hydraulic Engineering at 100 BC-AD 300 Nabataean Petra (Jordan)
A groundbreaking analysis of Petra's ancient Nabataean water systems reveals sophisticated hydraulic engineering not previously documented. The study, focusing on three main pipeline networks (Siq, Ain Braq, and Wadi Mataha), uncovered innovative designs that addressed geophysical challenges. Notably, the Ain Braq system featured an offshoot segment to a collection basin, preventing upstream surges caused by downstream flow instabilities—a discovery absent in prior literature. The Siq pipeline employed partial flow techniques to optimize water transport, while the Wadi Mataha system was constructed at a critical angle for maximum efficiency. These findings significantly revise our understanding of Nabataean engineering capabilities during 100 BC–AD 300.
MIKKEL BILLE, Being Bedouin Around Petra: Life at a World Heritage Site in the Twenty-First Century
UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, while intended to celebrate and safeguard cultural diversity, often overlooks its impact on local communities. A study examines the consequences of Petra's inscription in 1985 and its subsequent recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for the semi-nomadic Bedouin communities living there. The research reveals that while global recognition brings economic benefits, it also disrupts traditional lifestyles, land use, and social structures. The study employs qualitative methods, including ethnographic observations and interviews, to document the lived experiences of Bedouins around Petra, highlighting the tensions between heritage conservation and local livelihoods in the 21st century.
Protecting the archaeological heritage from structural risks: some significant cases.
A novel 'Three R' strategy for archaeological consolidation is introduced, focusing on the preservation of ancient structures while addressing structural risks. This approach emphasizes respectful, recognizable, and reversible techniques to maintain the constructive information of historical sites over centuries. The study highlights three significant case studies: two in the Dhofar district (Sumhuram–Al Balid) and one in Jordan's Petra district (Shawbak). By replacing walls with or without mortar joints, researchers demonstrate a method to mitigate recurrent structural problems while ensuring minimal intervention that remains reversible and culturally sensitive. This strategy offers a practical solution for conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing technical precision with ethical considerations.
Rethinking Management Planning Methodologies: A Novel Approach Implemented at Petra World Heritage Site
A groundbreaking Integrated Management Plan for Petra, Jordan, demonstrates how co-creation of management decisions can overcome governance complexities and competing local interests. This novel approach combines top-down and bottom-up methodologies, leveraging participatory planning and natural environment management theories to ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement and local ownership. Unlike previous plans that failed to achieve full implementation, this locally driven yet externally facilitated process highlights the potential for collaborative decision-making in preserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Sustainable Management of Cultural Heritage Sites: Tourism and the Politics of Archaeology at Petra
Research at Petra reveals a divided perspective on the relationship between tourism and archaeology, with some stakeholders believing these sectors are inherently in conflict while others advocate for archaeology to adapt to tourism needs. This study used qualitative interviews with academics, businesspeople, and government officials alongside quantitative surveys of University of Jordan faculty to assess management plans at Petra. Findings suggest that the interplay between tourism and archaeology has hindered consistent implementation of sustainable management strategies, raising questions about the long-term preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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