Responsible Travel in Northern Jordan: A Newfound Travel Style in a Rediscovered Country

Ethan Gelber
3 November 2008

Jordan is solidly back on the radar. Already one of the most entrancing destinations in the Middle East, Jordan is attracting more attention than ever before as site of the ancient stone city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. But Jordan is far from being a one-hit wonder. Visitors moved to take in the awe-inspiring rock structures of the Nabataeans usually also discover the country’s other attractions -– archaeological, historical and cultural. And, these days, in keeping with a growing awareness of travel ethics, many are doing so responsibly.

Responsible travel in Jordan is a relatively new concept, albeit one steadily gaining ground, both amongst locals and visitors. So, to add momentum to important early strides toward the country’s sustainable tourism future, here are several responsible travel hints.

Airport arrival. Most travellers first touch Jordanian ground at Queen Alia International Airport, located approximately 30 kilometres south of Amman. Although there are airport taxis to Amman on hand, getting one can sometimes be nerve-racking, even with the posted fixed-price service. Alternatively, and with an eye toward reduced fuel consumption, take the hourly bus (leaves on the hour) from outside the terminal 2 arrivals hall. As of mid-2008, it cost 3 Jordanian dinars per person (taxis charge slightly more than 20) and runs via Amman’s 7th, 6th, 5th and 4th circles before turning north to the new large bus station. You can disembark anywhere.

One of Amman's responsible craft sales centres

Real Jordanian Crafts. Once in Amman, visit the handicrafts showrooms displaying wares made in Jordan as part of community-based income-generating programs. Some of Jordan’s leading social welfare organizations have trained women and marginalised groups to earn a living by producing and selling quality products. In Amman, there are showrooms for the:

Jordan Handicraft Producers Association (in Jebel Amman)
Jordan River Foundation (in Jebel Amman)
Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development’s Beit al Bawadi (in Abdoun)
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) ’s Nature Shop at its Wild Jordan Centre (in Jebel Amman)

From approximately October to July, many small-scale producers also display their products at the weekly Friday Souk JARA (in Jebel Amman) and Beit al Bawadi’s Saturday Souq Al Ard (in Abdoun). Incredible bargains on a dazzling variety of second-hand and recycled goods -– in particular clothes -– can be had every Friday at the Souk al Abdali.

Souk JARA sales stalls line a street in Jebel Amman

Sights around Amman. Jordan is a small country, so distances between points of interest are not great. Several primary areas near Amman are therefore now getting attention, including the cities of Ajloun, Jerash, Madaba and Salt. Most tour operators already include brief stops here on day trips from Amman. However, they are increasingly responsible destinations in their own rights, with, in addition to their primary attractions, community- and nature-based tourism initiatives well worth a longer look. Take time (even including an overnight) away from Amman by indulging in some of the following:

near Ajloun: the Ajloun Forest Reserve, with hiking trails, village/farm visits, the Orjan Soap House, cabins and bungalows
in/near Jerash: the Dibeen Forest Reserve and the incredible community-owned Roman Army Chariot Experience (RACE)
in and around Madaba: many undertakings now stewarded by the community-based Madaba Tourism Development Association
in Salt: the Salt Handicraft Training Centre

Roman foot soldiers and chariots at the Jerash RACE

For more information about Jordan, including accommodations, tours, activities and lots of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Seif Saudi, Rana Bseiso and the team of Jordan Select Tours at www.jordan-travel.jo.