Rural Tourism and Its Role in Local Communities’ Development in Jordan: The Case of Jordan Trail

Abstract

This study aims at clarifying the characteristics of rural tourism in Jordan Trail and its role in community development. The results are based on a questionnaire that was distributed to 420 available tourists in the study area. In addition, the researchers conducted 34 interviews with the local communities’ members who are involved in the Jordan Trail tourism. To achieve the objectives of the study, the Mixed Method Approach, which combines both the Quantitative and the Qualitative approaches, was used. Based on the respondents’ answers to the questionnaire questions, the demographic and economic characteristics and visit motivations of tourists (visitors) were analyzed as well as their level of satisfaction about their visit. The interviews helped in understanding the characteristics of local communities who are involved in tourism and the economic and social advantages of Jordan Trail tourism for locals. The results showed that Jordan Trail is an important tributary for the development of local communities in both economic and social terms. In this regard, members of the local communities provide all tourism services, whether overnight, food, or transportation. Furthermore, it has a clear impact with regard to empowering women, especially in remote areas that are far from urban jobs. Additionally, it had a social impact where local communities learn some positive habits from tourists. However, there are some problems in the study area, including: random camping for tourists that minimizes the economic impacts and leave a negative impact on the environment as well as the poor marketing of the trail. The study recommends making sub-paths through remote villages that are characterized by attractive tourism elements related to the main route of the Jordan Trail. In addition, the study stresses the need for cooperation between the Jordan Trail Association and governmental institutions such as: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Tourism Revitalization Authority as well as setting strict laws regarding the random camping of tourists, and the financial exploitation of them by some members of the local community.