Adventure lovers can now explore the Jordan Trail, a pathway spanning 600 kilometers of beautiful hiking through Jordan’s diverse terrains and landscapes. Starting from the forests of the north and continuing to the mountains, deserts and canyons of the south, the trail passes through 52 villages where hikers canenjoy local food, explore historical sites, and have an authentic Jordanian adventure.The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the Jordan Trail Association (JTA) to develop and promote the national Jordan Trail over the next 12 months.
The USAID Building Economic Sustainability through Tourism Project (BEST) will provide a grant to ensure the sustainability of the JTA by developing the trail and a strategy that fosters adventure tourism, and enables service providers to run tours and trips along the trail. USAID BEST and the JTA will create investment opportunities for local communities along the trail, focusing on two of its sections: Um Qais to Ajloun and Dana to Petra. In addition, USAID will support marketing and promotional activities, build the capacity of JTA staff and train 20 guides.
Minister of Tourism H.E. Mr. Nayef Al Fayez noted at the signing ceremonyof the grant today: “The Jordan Trail offers visitors a diverse, unique and authentic experience. USAID support provided through this grant will ensure that the Jordan Trail is positioned as a new adventure tourism product in the domestic and international market and will attract more visitors to Jordan.”
U.S. Ambassador Alice G. Wells stated: “The Jordan Trail has the potential to support socio-economic opportunities for 52villages along the trail. By developing the trail we can help create up to 200 jobs in five years, especially among women and youth, and bring income directly to local communities.”
Muna Haddad, Jordan Trail Association President said: “The Jordan Trail was mapped by a group of passionate volunteers that walked the length of the country over the last three years to bring to us some of the most beautiful landscapes, diverse natural environments and rich cultural localities along this 600 km path. It is an open and free trail for hikers and first timers to explore a healthier lifestyle, to reconnect with nature and sit down for a traditional meal with a local family in a village after a long hike."
The Jordan Trail Association was established to create and manage a sustainable long distance trail crossing and connecting the length of Jordan. The USAID Building Economic Sustainability through Tourism Project works closely with public, private and community entities to grow Jordan’s tourism sector. The United States government, through USAID, has provided foreign assistance from the American people to Jordan for more than 60 years.