Socio-Spatial Planning Problems within Jordan Valley, Jordan: Obstacles to Sustainable Tourism Development

Abstract

Jordan Valley represents a distinctive variety of natural and cultural resources. It is considered a major destination for seasonal tourism in Jordan. However, the valley suffers from a serious shortage in urban infrastructure necessary for sustainable tourism development. A field survey is carried out to identify the type and range of such problems in relation to the existing infrastructure system. The survey also examines both the role of local community in tourism development and potential revenues. This study analyses the major aspects of such shortages and their effects on tourism sustainability. The paper attempts to present and discuss 1) the effect of inadequate urban infrastructure (roads, waste disposal, and water supply) on the valley tourism potential and local standards of living that represent a challenge for sustainable cultural tourism and eco-tourism; 2) the role of local communities' involvement in tourism development (e.g. safeguarding heritage sites) and in poverty alleviation mechanisms; 3) the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial mapping in identifying/analysing the major infrastructure problems and threats in the region, in addition to identifying main heritage assets and related tourism opportunities.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their deep thanks to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, especially the municipal engineering section at Jordan Valley municipality, for providing the engineering and planning drawings and maps for supporting the paper in analysing the adapted spatial planning strategies of the existing urban infrastructure system.

Notes

¹ The survey form along with the survey results are presented

² T, Tourism; E, Economics; P, Planning; Q, Question.

³ Other: represents rare answers that are a selection of more than one answer (e.g., a + b)

⁴ No answer, the interviewed people didn't answer this question.