Tourism stakeholders and activists in Karak Governorate are hopeful that initiatives to launch new hiking and tourism trails in the governorate’s natural areas can serve as an alternative to the sharp decline in inbound tourism. Regional conditions have significantly reduced the number of foreign visitors to Karak, causing serious harm to the tourism sector.
اضافة اعلان
Visitor numbers to the governorate dropped in 2024 to 111,000, down from around 282,000 in 2023, according to statistics from the Tourism and Antiquities Departments in Karak. While foreign visitor numbers have decreased across major sites—particularly Karak Castle and the historic city—the number of domestic visitors has remained steady, with around 28,000 Jordanians visiting Karak Castle last year.
Recently, however, there has been a noticeable increase in local visitors and participants in community-led trail initiatives. This trend is raising hopes that domestic and regional Arab tourists can help boost tourism in the governorate, providing job opportunities for hundreds of residents in towns and villages along these nature trails.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website, Karak has around 16 official sites and trails, including: Karak Castle, Jubilee Forest, Ain Sara, Wadi Mujib, the Dead Sea, Wadi Assal, Wadi Namira, Qatraneh Castle, Lot’s Cave, the Eastern Panorama, the Western Panorama, Muheiy ruins and cemetery, Dhat al-Ras ruins, the Al-Mashhad site in Mu’tah, Al-Rabba ruins, and Al-Qasr ruins.
However, local activists argue that the governorate also has many additional trails not yet included on the ministry’s official list—such as Wadi Karak, Wadi Bin Hammad, Wadi Al-Hasa, Wadi Sudair, Wadi Wida’a, Al-Lajoun, Seil Hammoud, Faqou’ and Sarfa trails—which already attract thousands of visitors from Jordan and abroad, particularly from Arab countries.
Ain Sara, Bedan, and Barda Trail
One such initiative was the recent launch of a cultural-tourism trail linking Ain Sara, Bedan, and Barda in Wadi Karak. The event, organized in cooperation with Al-Madina Knights Association and the Steps initiative, combined a day of cultural and tourism activities showcasing the valley’s beauty and historical richness.
Participants joined a guided tour with explanatory stops highlighting the natural and heritage value of the sites. Ain Sara, for instance, served as a historic water source with social significance, while Bedan and Barda reflected a harmonious natural landscape interwoven with local traditions and folklore.
Dr. Orouba Al-Shamayleh, Assistant Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture and Director of Karak Culture Directorate, explained that the initiative is part of a broader two-year program integrating culture into tourism experiences. The aim, she said, is to connect people with place through arts and interactive activities.
She emphasized that young activists and culture, heritage, and eco-tourism enthusiasts participated by sharing local stories and documenting the trail with photos and artistic activities. This, she added, underscores the importance of linking culture and tourism as drivers of community development, while highlighting Karak’s richness as a destination for heritage and natural beauty.
The Directorate, in cooperation with local cultural and community groups across Karak’s towns and villages, has also been organizing internal trails to promote local tourism, revive traditional culture—including food heritage and handicrafts—and create income opportunities for rural families.
Alternative to Foreign Tourism
Tourism activist Saif Al-Ma’aytah said the revival of local nature-based tourism, especially in Wadi Bin Hammad with its stunning landscapes, hiking, and climbing routes, offers hope for revitalizing tourism and generating jobs—from local guides, to traditional food vendors, to accommodation in old houses and tents, providing immersive experiences in nature.
He noted that this type of tourism is becoming a viable alternative to foreign tourism, which has nearly stopped due to regional instability. Participation in such trails, he added, has grown significantly.
Tourism worker Tariq Mubaideen stressed the urgent need to better define and organize Karak’s trails, especially outside the city. He pointed out that the main route leading into Karak city and ending at the castle suffers from narrow streets, limited parking, and traffic jams caused by tour buses entering the city center. Well-structured trails both inside and outside the city, he said, would ensure more local tourism establishments benefit, rather than just a few.
Infrastructure Development Projects
In recent years, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented major projects in Karak to support tourism and improve infrastructure.
The first project involved restoring old heritage buildings in Karak and creating the castle square.
The second project, worth 1 million dinars, developed the Karak Castle square, nearby facilities, and other sites.
The third project, costing 12 million dinars, upgraded city infrastructure, including roads, water networks, stormwater drainage, electricity, streetlights, sidewalks, and seating areas.
Currently, work is underway on the eastern entrance development project for Karak, after which the new trail network will be rolled out.
