Community-Based Tourism: How to Support Local Communities in Jordan

Community-based tourism (CBT) is more than just a travel trend — it’s a sustainable way of connecting with local communities while supporting their growth and preserving their cultural heritage. In Jordan, CBT provides a unique opportunity for travelers to engage in meaningful experiences while helping local businesses thrive. Here’s how you can make a difference by choosing community-focused tourism activities in Jordan.

1. Dine at Restaurants Run by Local Women

One of the most direct ways to support local communities is by choosing restaurants run by local women. These women-led businesses often focus on preserving Jordanian culinary traditions while creating opportunities for empowerment within their communities.

Dar Nemeh, for example, is a lovely restaurant in the heart of Jordan that offers authentic meals prepared with love and passion by local women. Similarly, Daimeh Restaurant, which supports Al Karma Kitchen, serves food made by local female chefs who rely on home cooking for their livelihoods. Another excellent option is Shams Al Balad, a restaurant dedicated to using local, seasonal ingredients and promoting the culture of sustainable eating while empowering women. Dining at these places not only introduces you to mouthwatering Jordanian dishes but also helps foster social change and independence for local women.

2. Participate in Local Cultural Activities

Jordan is brimming with cultural and heritage-rich experiences that are rooted in local traditions. One such experience is visiting Ammarin Camp in Petra, where you can immerse yourself in Bedouin culture, stay in traditional accommodations, and enjoy storytelling sessions, music, and meals prepared in a Bedouin style. The camp provides travelers with an authentic look at how the Ammarin community lives and works while showcasing the rich Bedouin hospitality.

In Karak, visitors can take part in a unique experience by learning how to prepare Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, from local women. This hands-on experience not only allows travelers to learn about the culinary tradition but also supports the local community by providing them with income from the workshop.

For a more craft-based activity, Um Qais offers a fantastic opportunity to learn basket weaving from local artisans. Here, travelers can witness the skills passed down through generations, and by purchasing handcrafted baskets or taking part in a workshop, they help preserve these traditions while benefiting the artisans financially.

3. Stay in Locally-Owned Accommodations

When traveling through Jordan, consider staying in locally-owned accommodations that offer more than just a bed for the night. Many rural and village-based guesthouses run by local families allow you to experience true Jordanian hospitality while benefiting the community. By staying at these locally owned spots, you are directly contributing to the livelihoods of the families and helping preserve the cultural fabric of their communities.

RSCN offers unique stays in both Mujib and Ajloun, with accommodations that are dedicated to preserving Jordan’s natural beauty and supporting conservation efforts. These eco-lodges not only offer stunning views and an immersive experience in nature but also help sustain the local environment and community.

The Baraka Destination in Um Qais and Pella is another wonderful option, where travelers can experience Jordan’s rural landscapes while supporting community-led initiatives. Staying here provides a chance to interact with the locals and learn about the region’s cultural and environmental significance.

For a cozy and charming stay in Amman, Bulbul Bed and Breakfast provides a warm, homely atmosphere. Guests are treated to a true local experience, often prepared with locally sourced food, and the owners offer deep insights into the history and culture of the region.

4. Shop for Handcrafted Goods

Local artisans in Jordan craft stunning handmade products that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Whether it’s traditional Palestinian embroidery, hand-carved olive wood products, or intricate pottery from Jerash, shopping at local markets not only gives you a beautiful souvenir but also supports the artisans who rely on their craft for their livelihoods.

By purchasing from local markets and cooperative shops, you directly contribute to sustaining traditional crafts and providing income to artisans. Many of these crafts are at risk of being lost, but through your purchases, you help ensure that these ancient skills are passed down to future generations.

5. Support Eco-Tourism Projects

Jordan’s landscape offers plenty of opportunities to explore through eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. There are several eco-lodges and community-based conservation projects that are working to preserve Jordan’s natural beauty while benefiting local communities. For example, Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Azraq Wetland Reserve both offer eco-tourism activities that highlight the importance of environmental conservation and provide economic opportunities to the local communities living nearby.

6. Explore Rural Jordan

Many of Jordan’s rural villages and towns offer rich experiences for travelers seeking to connect more deeply with the local culture. Whether it’s hiking in the Ajloun Forest with local guides, visiting Al Salt to explore its historic charm, or trekking through the Shobak Castle, the money spent in these less-visited areas stays within the community, ensuring that tourism benefits everyone involved.

Conclusion

Community-based tourism in Jordan presents an enriching way to support local economies, promote cultural preservation, and foster deeper connections between travelers and the communities they visit. By choosing locally-owned restaurants, staying in family-run accommodations, engaging in hands-on cultural experiences, and shopping for authentic crafts, you not only make your trip more memorable but also ensure that your travels leave a positive and lasting impact on the people and places you encounter.

As the world moves towards more sustainable and socially-conscious travel, community-based tourism provides a meaningful way to be a part of the solution. Your visit could be the catalyst for creating a lasting change, helping preserve the very things that make Jordan such a unique and beautiful destination.