JERASH — Work is accelerating to complete one of the largest eco-tourism projects in the Kingdom: the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village project. The initiative is expected to bring about a qualitative leap in Jerash Governorate's tourism sector by providing an integrated destination that combines eco-, recreational, and cultural tourism. It aims to serve as a driver for the local economy by generating job opportunities and enabling local residents to benefit economically from tourism activity.
اضافة اعلان
In this context, Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan made his third visit to the project since construction began—implemented by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)—underscoring the official commitment to monitoring its progress.
Spanning an area of 210 dunams in a mountainous zone overlooking the forests of Jerash, Dibbeen, and Tal Al-Ruman, the project is located just 10 minutes from the ancient city of Jerash. It features an eco-lodge with a capacity of 55 rooms, an eco-park, a theater, adventure facilities, a visitors' center, restaurants, a conference hall, and dedicated spaces for marketing local community products. The initiative embodies a national vision to redefine the relationship between tourism, the environment, and the local community, transforming natural resources into a driver of sustainable economic development.
Project Director Osama Hassan noted that the completion rate of the village's construction work has reached approximately 60%, with various facilities entering their final finishing stages to ensure completion according to the approved schedule.
Hassan added that the official completion and opening are expected by the middle of next year. Upon operation, the project is anticipated to supply the local labor market with 180 to 200 jobs. He emphasized that local residents, particularly from neighboring villages, have been actively involved since the initial construction phase.
He explained that the facilities align with the environmental character of the area, and its economic impact will extend beyond direct jobs to tourism-related sectors—boosting commercial and service activities while creating new opportunities for small businesses and productive families.
Designed as a holistic eco-tourism product, the project incorporates diverse amenities, including adventure tourism activities, restaurants, a petting zoo, green spaces, and hiking trails. Hassan highlighted that specialized market studies in Jerash, Ajloun, the Dibbeen forests, and northern governorates revealed a shortage of hotel accommodation despite the region's rich natural assets, necessitating an eco-hotel in a strategic location to encourage longer visitor stays.
Furthermore, the project will integrate into a broader network of northern tourism trails to extend visitor stay durations and increase local spending. The inclusion of a conference center will also open avenues for business tourism alongside eco- and leisure tourism, positioning the village as a competitive regional and international destination.
Natural and Archaeological Assets
Dr. Youssef Zreigat, a tourism expert and former provincial council member, noted that while Jerash possesses world-class archaeological and natural assets, tourism has historically been limited to short day-trips. The project aims to bridge this gap by offering immersive experiences that encourage overnight stays, benefiting local hotels, transport, markets, and traditional crafts.
Echoing this sentiment, Ghassan Al-Ayasrah, President of the Green Society for the Protection of Earth and Nature, highlighted that the project will catalyze direct and indirect employment across hospitality, guiding, maintenance, and supply sectors, while stimulating local micro-enterprises.
Empowering the Local Community
Environmental activist and head of the Earth and Human Society, Mohammad Layhou, emphasized that the project empowers local residents by offering dedicated venues to display and market local produce, handicrafts, and agricultural goods. It also serves as an educational platform for environmental awareness, school programs, and conservation activities.
Local community advocate Hisham Al-Banna added that the Jerash Tourism Village represents a sustainable model that balances economic growth with environmental conservation. By securing direct and indirect livelihoods for nearby residents, the initiative sets a benchmark for community-partnered development that can be replicated in other regions rich in natural heritage.
