Figures from Jordan’s Department of Statistics: Selected Tourism Indicators (2010) show an increase of visitors over the previous year to many of its major tourist sites. The most popular by far was Petra but despite a sluggish world economy, Wadi Rum, Jerash and Madaba all saw increased visitor numbers too.
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
In Jordan’s ecotourist sector 2010 was also a good year. Figures released by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) showed that $2.1 million was generated in ecotourism-related activities from their nature reserves (excluding Wadi Rum). Commenting on the benefit to local people, RSCN Director Yehya Khaled said, “As the number of tourists to Jordan’s nature reserves increases local communities around the reserves have boomed.”
In 2011 the ongoing political unrest in the Arab world has meant visitor numbers are substantially down in all sectors; it means a number of challenges for the Jordanian tourist authorities.
According to local journalist Awni Kawar writing in the Jordan Times, “The Jordan Tourist Board (JTB) has been frantically trying to revisit its 2011 marketing plan through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity, to enhance sustainable growth of the industry by setting the National Tourism Strategy (NTS) as a government priority…”
Although major events like the bicentennial of the re-discovery of Petra in 1812 should be capitalised on, the importance of ecotourism to the Jordan economy should not be underestimated.
Driving the ecotourism sector in Jordan is the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and its business arm, Wild Jordan. The RSCN aims to, “conserve the biodiversity of Jordan and integrate its conservation programs with socio-economic development, while promoting wider public support and action for the protection of the natural environment of Jordan ….”
For the tourist looking for something different, a wide range of ecotourism experiences are on offer at a number of nature reserves throughout the country:
- Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Mujib Nature Reserve
- Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
- Ajloun Forest Reserve
- Dibeen Forest Reserve
- Azraq Wetland Reserve
- Wadi Rum Protected Area
- Yarmouk Protected Areas.
Mujib Nature Reserve
For many visitors the Mujib Nature Reserve is a particularly special place set in a stunningly beautiful part of Jordan. Bordering the Dead Sea the reserve encloses the majestic Wadi Mujib Canyon, which cuts through the surrounding mountains. For the botanist there are over 300 species of plants to examine and a keen-eyed ornithologist might be lucky enough to see: White Storks, Honey Buzzards, Levant Sparrow Hawks and even a Barbary Falcon, to name only a few.
Sodom and Gomorrah
For the more energetic Wild Jordan organises a number of trails to explore. The Ibex Trail for example allows walkers to climb from the Dead Sea Highway to the ruins at Qasr Riyashi before continuing to the ranger’s station at Raddas. Along the way the trail passes Lot’s pillar, perhaps reminding walkers of the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah story. If they are very lucky they might also catch a glimpse of a Nubian Ibex with its magnificent curved horns. Many of the reserves, including Mujib, have campsites and chalets for overnight stays. Of course each reserve presents the visitor with a unique and rewarding experience.
Even with such a brief look at Jordan’s ecotourist sector it’s obvious that the country has much to offer their visitors. Currently however the main task facing the Jordanian tourist people is the need to reassure prospective visitors that the country is an exciting stand-alone destination and remains safe to visit.
Sources
Jordan in Figures 2010, Jordan Department of Statistics
Kawar A, "Jordan flagging tourism fortunes", Jordan Times, 12 June 2011
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, website accessed 31 July 2010
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