Ecotourism in Wadi Rum nature reserve: Environmental perception, sustainability, and conservation practices

With global tourism at one billion international arrivals each year, tourism has become the largest revenue generator on Earth. It is therefore increasingly important that we examine and analyze our sensitive landscape and how this increased tourism is affecting them. Wadi Rum in southern Jordan represents an ideal outdoor laboratory for such an assessment. This research examines the perceptions of conservation in the nationally protected area of Wadi Rum. The Wadi Rum Protected Area was established in 1997; however the area has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Tourism is the site's primary source of income, as well as Jordan's (with 11% of their GDP coming from tourism). So with more tourism, increased degradation and landscape change are evident, and protection of this environment warranted more than ever. Extensive interviews of tourists, tourism officials, guides, and area environmentalists, in addition to a survey gathering respondent perceptions of the conservation practices with specific questions asked of those visiting, working, and living in Wadi Rum, were conducted. Results indicated was disparity between groups based on regional representation, gender, and involvement with the tourism industry. The purpose of this research is to provide data that will help in the continued efforts toward conservation in the area---sustainable tourism practices that will allow optimum quality of life for inhabitants and enjoyment to the visitor, while also preserving the landscape for future generations of visitors and inhabitants.