Ecotourism in Jordan : reality and ambition

الملخص EN

This study entitled ”Ecotourism in Jordan; Reality and Ambition” aims at studying the nature and main aspects of ecotourism in the kingdom, as well as analyzing its market profile and how visitors evaluate the tourism services and facilities availed to them.A questionnaire was administered among a convenient sample of 189 visitors of three main eco sites in the country during the year 2000.

Alpha reliability coefficient is 0.8599, which means that the study is reliable and its results could be used in further studies.

The study concludes that ecotourism contributes highly to the tourism industry and the goodwill of the country.

The role of RSCN is highly appreciated, and there is a need for more organization and control of tourism in general and ecotourism sites and activities in particular, with a need for more involvement of local communities in tourism activities.It is suggested that economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism should be considered together, and all new investment plans should have an environmental responsibility.

Besides, community involvement and training should be given more consideration and better coordination between RSCN and educational institutions should be considered to promote awareness among citizens on the concept and value of ecotourism to the kingdom.