Jordan emerging as a regional center for eco-tourism

Notes and media contacts

RSCN Nature Reserves, Jordan

In the Jordan Rift Valley, Dana Nature Reserve, visitors can explore a range of trails through Wadi Dana, Rummana Mountain trail, huge escarpment of the Steppe Trail, the Feynan ancient copper mines, iron ages site, roman towers to Khirbet Feynan with its churches and graves. The campsite at Rummana can accommodate up to 60 persons a day. Containing some 20 large tents, barbeque grills, toilets and showers all tents come full equipped with mattresses and pillows. Drinking water is available, gas cookers may be rented and catering services can be provided for groups of six or more. Arranged and guided tours are available all year and include the mysterious Nabatean Tomb tour, bird watching, botanical and other archaeological explorations.

Shumari Wildlife Reserve to the east of Amman is a small 22 square kilometer reserve with a thriving environment for some of the more rare species of the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, onagers (an Asian wild ass) and gazelles, which are seen depicted on many local 6th century Byzantine mosaics, are steadily rebuilding their populations within the protected area away from hunting and habitat destruction.

To the far north of Amman, near the border with Syria, lies Ajloun Reserve. First established in 1988, it is an area of rolling hills covered by dense woodlands of evergreen oak, interspersed with pistachio, carob, and wild strawberry trees. The trees are protected as they are important to local people in providing for their every day needs such as medicines and food. Aside from the reintroduction of roe deer and the extensive range of trees, scrubs and grasses, the area has been declared an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

Azraq Wetland Reserve is a unique wetland reserve located in the heart of the semi-arid desert to the East of Amman City. Called Azraq in the past because of its sparking blue jewel like pools, marshes and streams area has become a haven for up to a million migrating, breeding and wintering birds. One of several beautiful nature reserves managed by RSCN it attracts a wide variety of birds throughout the year during their arduous migration routes between Europe and Africa.

The Dead Sea eastern coast in Jordan is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the World and includes the Dead Sea and Bethany Beyond the Jordan.

A leading attraction, the Dead Sea is nine times more salty than the Mediterranean. The Dead Sea has become a 'must go to' location in the Middle East to not only take a dip in the Sea but also stay at the range of luxurious 5-star accommodation and spas. The Sea is rich in chloride sales of magnesium, sodium and potassium, in bromine, potash and several other minerals and sales. This unusually salty, buoyant and mineral-rich water has attracted visitors since ancient times, all of whom have floated effortlessly on their backs while socking u the water's healthy minerals long with the more gentle, filtered rays of the Jordanian sun.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan close by the Dead Sea and the site of the Baptism is one of the most recent significant archaeological and religious discoveries. Apart from its unique spiritual and cultural aspects, the site harbours special natural values.

The area incorporates a salt marsh wetland stretching along the Wadi al-Kharrar a tributary of the Jordan River. The Wadi contains typical flora and fauna: tree frog and marsh frog as well as several species of hydrophilic dragonflies, water beetles and some crustaceans. Having been declared a 'significant bird and wetland area' by Birdlife International and Wetland International, many birds, mammals and reptiles within the Jordan River basin are on the IUCN Red List as regionally and globally threatened or endangered species.

Whilst Wadi Rum is viewed by many through the romantic gaze of T E Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia, the area attracts many others for a variety of activities. Serious mountaineers enjoy its challenging climbs - often higher than 900 meters in sheer granite and sandstone cliffs - other more casual hikers enjoy the peace and tranquility of sweeping vistas, rock faces and totally empty spaces. Options for exploring Wadi Rum can only start with 4WD vehicles, camel rides through into hot ballooning and seeing life from a higher perspective.

At whatever level the break taking beauty of Wadi Rum remains the same with the array of colours from fascinating sand stone mountains through to flowing sand dunes.

The Gulf of Aqaba, the northeastern arm of the Red Sea which is shared with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel, is an alternative destination for serious divers who also seek 5-star luxury. As the north eastern arm of the Dead Sea, the area is a visitor's and diver's paradise, overflowing with wildlife and adventure, for scuba diving, snorkeling and/or scientific exploration. Aside from being a main attraction, the coral reefs in the Gulf play an important role in supporting the survival of various life forms. Thousands of marine creatures coexist in a complex ecosystem ranging from almost invisible species to huge fish and mammals. Harmless whale sharks, dolphins, sea cows together with an array of unique and dazzlingly coloured fish can often be seem without even having to leave the boat.

Enjoying the luxury as well as the nature

Jordan today offers five star accommodation at all key points of the tourism spectrum in Amman, Dead Sea, Petra and Aqaba. As JTB starts to cement in its long term strategic objectives of widening Jordan's attraction as a value-added tourism location, the Kingdom is already offering a wide range of activities from adventure holidays in the spectacular wildness of Wadi Rum, ecology trips into the Northern and Southern nature reserves, and scuba diving in the crystal clear water of Aqaba's Red Sea.

For further information on vacations in Jordan, Gulf travellers can contact the JTB via the website www.see-jordan.com, sending an email to info@jtb.com.jo or alternatively their local travel agent.

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), the Kingdom's official marketing organization, recently launched an extensive road show of the Gulf to outline its new strategy and approach to enhancing visitor experience of Jordan through an improved value proposition. Tourism continues to play a vital role in Jordan's economy; therefore developing the attractiveness of the Kingdom as a tourism destination remains an indisputable priority for Jordan. Its economic potential outranks virtually any other industry as increasingly Jordan is recognized as a natural holiday destination meeting a wide range of tastes.

Today Jordan offers an extensive range of activities from trips through the past in its very rich cultural heritage and religious sector into the growing market for eco-tourism and scientific, academic, volunteer and educational activities. As the Kingdom's coastal areas in Aqaba are undergoing mass development greater emphasis is now being placed on its water sports and cruising activities.

In reality Jordan is a very safe, friendly country with an absolute wealth in tourism and holiday opportunities. To realize the enormous potential that tourism can bring to Jordan business and policy leaders are working hand-in-hand to develop the industry. The strategy gives an integrated approach involving government facilitation, investment, and private-public partnership. JTB has mapped out a plan that moves the organization past old obstacles to approach the new era of holiday making and niche activities.

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) was officially launched in March 1998 as an independent public-private sector partnership. The JTB is committed to brand, position and promote Jordan as an international destination of choice - whether for leisure, business or MICE travel.

With a 13-member Board of Directors, the JTB is headed by the Ministry of Tourism and also includes nine private sector members representing hotels, inbound tour operators and tourism transport companies. As part of its new marketing plan, the JTB offers an integrated programme of international promotional activities including representations, trade fairs, workshops, roadshows and familiarisation trips.


For further information please contact:
Abeer Al-Qadi/ Amal Akbar
ASDA'A Public Relations
Edelman exclusive Middle East affiliate
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Fax: +971 4 3344556

Eman Afanah / Director of Communications
Jordan Tourism Board
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962 6 5678294 ext. 108
Mobile: + 962 795520259
Fax: +962 6 5678295

Issam Majali / Director of Communications
Jordan Tourism Board
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962 6 5678294 ext. 112
Mobile: + 962 77 7868788
Fax: +962 6 5678295