Jordan's Sustainable Vision: An Interview with Visit Jordan

Jordan has unnoticedly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The emergence of luxury hotels in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea are testament to this. Whether you're looking for an authentic backpacking experience or want to be pampered in a 5-star hotel, the Hashemite Kingdom offers many vacation options for all visitors. Interviewed by Visit Jordan, we learn more about Jordan's sustainable vision, the role of tourism and the relevance of international relations.

TripLegend: What goals are you trying to achieve with your work?

The reduction of plastic consumption in tourist activities.
Promoting local and rural cultures through experiences to help preserve these intangible assets.
Diversify the promotion of products to better distribute the economic benefits of tourism impacts.

TripLegend: How would you define sustainable tourism?

The only way forward: a way that ensures your children and grandchildren can still be excited about what the destination has to offer.

TripLegend: Is sustainable tourism already fully accepted in your country? And what must
And what needs to happen to be at the forefront here?

Unfortunately, we are still in the early stages of the journey, but much work needs to be done to raise awareness of how best to present our destination.
In addition to the regulations of the Ministries of Tourism and Environment, we also carry out incentive schemes to market the places that adhere to these sustainable concepts.

TripLegend: What is the importance of tourism for the local population?

It is the best way to increase social mobility and promote the development of the most rural areas.

TripLegend: In which areas is Jordan already good and where are there still
in the development of sustainable tourism?

We see that the private sector is leading the way in developing sustainable best practices and that a number of pieces of legislation have already been enacted to protect natural and archaeological sites.

TripLegend: Many countries have questioned their tourism strategies during the pandemic
questioned, and now I want to improve it. Is this turnaround a new opportunity for Jordan?

Absolutely! We have shifted more towards adventure, outdoor and ecotourism and place great emphasis on sustainability.

TripLegend: Jordan still has many hidden corners. What makes the country special
exciting for tourists?

The natural diversity in a small area and the diversity of our local communities incorporated into the tourism product, as well as the wealth of archaeological sites and history combined with adventure and nature activities are particularly exciting for tourists.

TripLegend: If you had to explain in one sentence why people should visit Jordan,
what would you say?

Enjoy a place where you can experience history, people and nature in your favorite adventure activity. All in one day

TripLegend: Which experience is among the most authentic in the country and should be
and should be enjoyed by curious travelers?

Crossing the Jordan River or parts of it while enjoying the rural hosts

TripLegend: The ecosystem services approach is being introduced and embedded in the coastal and marine areas of the Gulf of Aqaba. In addition, a national framework has been developed to deal with invasive species that cause significant damage to Jordan's weakened ecosystems. Can you explain how this will help the country in general and the sector in particular on the path to sustainable development?

Diving in Aqaba is an integral part of the tourist offer of the region, as there are many professionals working here and diving is possible all year round. The water offers good conditions all year round, except perhaps in January, but otherwise there is much to explore in the depths of the sea. Therefore, the preservation of marine life is very important for this particular tourism.

TripLegend: The German Federal Ministry for the Environment supports Jordan in the sustainable separate collection of packaging. To what extent is cooperation with other countries, especially Germany, important for the development of a sustainable strategy?

Overall: We have good relations with foreign ministries of different countries, which help us to exchange knowledge and experiences that contribute to the improvement of our situation.

TripLegend: What can travelers do themselves to travel to and in Jordan as sustainably as possible?

Respect the people, their traditions, their nature and enjoy the country.

If you now feel like discovering Jordan for yourself, then you can find here our current TripLegend Jordan Round Trip. Here you can travel sustainably in a group of like-minded people while discovering the most exciting parts of the country. For even more travel inspiration, follow TripLegend also on Instagram and subscribe to our Newsletter.