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Overtourism in Jordan: A Threat to Cultural Heritage

 
 

Introduction

Jordan, celebrated for its heritage and breathtaking landscapes, attracts millions to iconic landmarks such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. However, the allure of these sites is marred by the challenges of overtourism, characterized by excessive crowding, environmental degradation, and a diminished quality of visitor experiences. A notable instance of this issue is Jerash, which drew nearly 500,000 visitors in 2023, representing a significant portion of Jordan's total tourism influx, while Umm Qais, despite being recognized by the UNWTO, welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors, underscoring a severe imbalance. Such concentration of tourists exerts considerable pressure on both the infrastructure and the natural environments, with Petra facing the risk of being delisted from the UNESCO Heritage list.

 
 

Challenges

Additionally, the nation's tourism sector is plagued by significant seasonal variances, with hotel occupancy rates fluctuating from 10% in quieter seasons to 90% during peak periods in March to April and October to November. This cyclical trend not only overburdens resources but also narrows the distribution of economic benefits, enriching well-visited locales while marginalizing communities in less frequented areas, thus failing to capitalize on the full array of Jordan’s diverse attractions for sustainable economic advancement.
Overtourism in Jordan impacts three main groups: cultural and environmental guardians, tourists, and local communities. The preservation of Jordan's unique heritage and biodiversity is threatened by overcrowding and resource overuse, endangering sites that are the cornerstone of its appeal.

Tourists seeking authentic experiences face disappointment due to the overwhelming numbers and commercialization at major attractions. Economically, the uneven distribution of tourism benefits creates disparities, where primary sites flourish at the expense of lesser-visited areas and their residents. These communities miss out on economic opportunities, leading to a cycle of underdevelopment in regions with potential for tourism growth. Addressing these issues requires targeted actions to ensure sustainable tourism development that benefits all stakeholders.

 
 
 
 

Suggested Approaches

To effectively combat the challenges of overtourism in Jordan, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that engage both local businesses and the broader community. The focus shifts towards creating diverse and sustainable tourism experiences that extend beyond the well-trodden paths. By leveraging the unique positions of small businesses and startups, there is a significant opportunity to redistribute tourist traffic across the year and to lesser-known destinations, enriching the tourist experience and mitigating environmental and cultural degradation. Encouraging off-season travel, adopting eco-friendly practices, and promoting the rich tapestry of local culture and crafts can serve as a foundation for a more balanced tourism model.

This approach not only aims to preserve Jordan’s invaluable heritage and natural beauty but also seeks to ensure the equitable distribution of tourism's economic benefits. In fostering a collaborative ecosystem that values sustainability and community engagement, we can envision a future where tourism contributes positively to both conservation and the prosperity of local communities.

 
 

Ideation Hub

We have offered viable solution approaches for each of the four sectors to spark your creativity, but we highly encourage you to bring your originality and unique perspectives to the table.

You can use these ideas as a starting point, but we urge you to think outside the box. Let’s come up with pioneering ideas to transform Jordanian industry.
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