Ajloun, Aug. 16 (Petra) – The Ajloun National Park project is taking shape as a major tourism and investment hub, with plans to expand the governorate’s tourism offerings, attract local and foreign investment and create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.

The project, regarded as one of Ajloun’s most significant development initiatives, is expected to strengthen the governorate’s position as a leading destination for ecotourism while generating economic opportunities for local communities and supporting related commercial and service sectors.

Stakeholders in the governorate’s tourism, commercial and development sectors described the project as a qualitative addition to Ajloun’s tourism infrastructure, saying its diverse facilities could draw more visitors, encourage investment and stimulate economic activity.

MP Ayatollah Freihat said the project would strengthen Ajloun’s presence on Jordan’s tourism map while opening new opportunities for young people and encouraging the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises in tourism and related services. She added that these opportunities would contribute to local development and help improve living standards in the governorate.

Chairperson of the Jordan Free and Development Zones Group Sakher Ajlouni said the first phase has reached 60% completion since construction began at the end of last year.

He described the project as a strategic component of efforts to promote sustainable development and attract local and foreign investment to ecotourism, hospitality and entertainment.

Covering 700 dunams, the project will feature a four-star hotel, a boutique hotel, an eco-lodge, camping areas for school and university students, a family park, an adventure zone and an outdoor cinema.

The combination of accommodation, recreation and nature-based activities is intended to provide an integrated tourism experience capable of serving families, students and other visitor groups.

Director General of the Development Zones Reem Sahawneh said the project is being implemented in two phases, with the first covering 140 dunams and the second 150 dunams within the first development area.

She said the project would complement the Ajloun cable car, creating an integrated tourism experience that could enhance the governorate’s appeal and encourage visitors to extend their stays.

Sahawneh added that the project is expected to create more than 200 direct jobs for Ajloun residents, in addition to hundreds of indirect opportunities in tourism, transportation, services and trade.

Head of the Ajloun Governorate Council Committee Muawiya Annab described the project as a pioneering development initiative that would help revitalize the local economy and capitalize on Ajloun’s comparative advantage in ecotourism. He stressed the importance of completing supporting infrastructure projects to ensure that the project delivers its full developmental impact.

Head of the Ajloun Chamber of Commerce and former MP Arab Samadi underscored the project would provide a significant impetus to investment and benefit the governorate’s commercial and service sectors by increasing visitor numbers and stimulating economic activity.

He said the private sector is looking forward to capitalizing on investment opportunities expected to emerge as the project develops.

As construction progresses, residents and businesses in Ajloun are looking to the project to broaden the governorate’s tourism base, generate employment and investment opportunities and strengthen the role of local communities in the tourism economy.

//Petra// AJ

16/08/2026 14:30:55