Ajloun: A Diverse Tourism Mix Combining Nature, Heritage, and the Local Community
Amman3 min read
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Experts and stakeholders in the tourism sector in Ajloun confirmed that the province has diverse tourist attractions that combine nature, archaeological and heritage sites, along with experiences linked to the local community, enhancing opportunities for the development of the tourism sector.
They pointed out in their conversation with Alrai on the occasion of World Tourism Day, which falls on the 27th of September, the importance of investing in the environmental and heritage assets of the province and developing services and programs capable of attracting visitors and enhancing Ajloun's presence as a tourist destination.
Ajloun's tourism director, Firas Al-Khatib, said that the province is witnessing a growth in tourist movement, explaining that the directorate is working to develop tourism programs and activities and strengthen partnerships with various entities to provide diverse experiences for visitors.
He added that the upcoming phase will focus on promoting tourist sites and supporting projects related to the sector and encouraging tourism that benefits the local community and contributes to the economic development of the province.
The director of the Ajloun Biosphere Reserve, Adi Al-Qudah, said that the reserve represents one of the most prominent models of eco-tourism in the province due to the trails and natural experiences it offers, attracting visitors, and pointing out the work to develop the services provided while preserving natural resources.
He added that the reserve seeks to enhance the concept of sustainable tourism through environmental programs and awareness activities to achieve a balance between receiving visitors and protecting the biodiversity of the region.
Ismail Al-Aroud, the head of the Kafranja Municipal Committee, said that municipalities play an important role in supporting tourism by improving services and preparing sites that receive visitors, emphasizing the importance of integration between various entities to enhance the benefits of the tourism assets in the province.
Tour guide Issa Al-Sharaa said that the guide's role goes beyond accompanying visitors to presenting the story of the place and introducing them to its history and heritage, explaining that Ajloun offers the visitor an experience that combines knowledge and exploration.
Rabi'a Al-Muwami, deputy head of the Jordanian Environment Society, said that preserving the environment is a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of tourism activity, especially in a province that relies on vegetation cover and nature as the main attraction for visitors.
She added that raising environmental awareness and enhancing the participation of the local community in protecting natural sites contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of resources for future generations.
Yusuf Al-Samadi, a member of the Nasma Shawq Tourism Association, said that local associations and initiatives contribute to enhancing community tourism by offering experiences linked to the culture and products of the place and highlighting the stories and skills of the province's people.
Hashim Al-Rasheeda, a member of the Environment Initiative, pointed out the importance of voluntary initiatives in supporting environmental efforts and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural sites, explaining that the participation of the local community is a fundamental element in the success of sustainable tourism projects.
Rua'a Zaytoun, a member of the Our Tourism is Our Wealth initiative, explained that involving young people in the tourism sector opens the door to new ideas that contribute to promoting local sites and enhancing the culture of domestic tourism, emphasizing the importance of investing in the energies of young people as partners in the development of the tourism sector.
