Growing calls are being made in Ajloun Governorate to establish and develop new agri-tourism trails that would enhance local investment and support sustainable development by capitalizing on the governorate’s rich natural, agricultural, and environmental resources.
اضافة اعلان
Owners of tourism projects and facilities stressed that tourism trails have become important tools for stimulating economic activity and raising public awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources. They also play a key role in creating employment opportunities for local communities and encouraging the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises linked to the tourism sector.
Dr. Wurood Al-Khasawneh, owner of a tourism resort, said that Ajloun’s unique environmental and agricultural diversity makes it well suited for specialized agri-tourism trails connecting farms, rural products, and natural attractions. Such trails would allow visitors to enjoy a comprehensive experience that combines recreation with learning about agricultural activities and rural heritage.
She added that these trails could increase the average length of tourist stays in the governorate, benefiting various sectors, particularly restaurants, tourism facilities, handicrafts, and home-based businesses.
Dr. Mustafa Al-Qudah, owner of a tourism project, noted that agri-tourism trails provide a valuable opportunity to attract new forms of tourism, including rural, eco-, and educational tourism. He pointed out that many countries have successfully transformed farms and agricultural lands into tourist destinations that generate additional income for farmers and support local economies.
He emphasized the importance of providing the necessary infrastructure, including signage, rest areas, and supporting services, to ensure a safe and high-quality visitor experience.
Kafa Al-Zaghoul, a member of the Environmental and Tourism Coordination Committee, highlighted that Ajloun is home to numerous natural sites, forests, springs, and valleys that could be linked through integrated agri-tourism routes. She explained that such trails promote sustainable tourism and support environmental conservation by directing tourism activity in an organized and well-planned manner.
She added that involving local communities in managing and operating these trails would strengthen residents’ sense of responsibility toward their natural resources while creating new economic opportunities for families and young people.
Tour guide Issa Al-Shara said that tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that allow them to learn about local lifestyles, traditions, and agricultural products. He noted that agri-tourism trails could serve as an additional attraction for the governorate and add a cultural and human dimension to the tourism experience.
He also stressed the importance of training tour guides and tourism-sector workers to highlight the environmental and agricultural value of the sites included in these routes, thereby enhancing the quality of Ajloun’s tourism product.
Muawiya Annab, Chairman of the Tourism and Antiquities Committee in the Ajloun Governorate Council, stated that the council prioritizes support for the tourism sector due to its potential to drive economic development and create jobs. He noted that Ajloun currently has 13 tourism trails, regarded among the best in Jordan thanks to the governorate’s diverse environmental, historical, heritage, and natural attractions.
He explained that there are six main trails branching into seven additional routes, including the Rassoun Trail, Wadi Al-Tawahin Trail, Ajloun Castle Trail, Al-Safsafah Trail, Al-Jubb Tourism Trail, and Al-Junaid Trail. These routes pass through various tourism and agricultural sites and contribute to local economic development while encouraging tourism investment.
Ajloun Agriculture Director Eng. Seitan Al-Sarhan stated that agriculture is a cornerstone of the governorate’s economy and that integrating agricultural activities with tourism opens significant opportunities for farmers to market their products and increase the added value of local goods.
He added that the directorate supports initiatives that showcase Ajloun’s agricultural and environmental heritage and encourages the inclusion of model farms, orchards, and forested areas in agri-tourism programs to promote sustainable development and preserve natural resources.
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