Ajloun, Dec. 9 (Petra) Work has officially begun, through qualified contractors, on implementing the Ajloun National Park project, one of the largest tourism and development ventures in the north of the Kingdom, Chairman of the Jordan Free and Development Zones Group (JFDZ), Sakher Ajlouni, said on Tuesday.
Ajlouni said the project aligns with Royal directives to promote balanced development across governorates and corresponds with the targets of the Economic Modernisation Vision.
He said the park spans nearly 700 dunams, to be developed in two phases: the first covering 140 dunams and the second 150 dunams within the initial development zone, with the remaining areas to be completed later.
He added that the site is among the most scenic natural areas in the Kingdom, with forests, highlands, and unique views that make it an ideal destination for environmental and recreational tourism year-round. The park will also form an important complement to the Ajloun Cable Car project and other tourism facilities under development.
Ajlouni said the project includes between 15 and 20 diverse investment opportunities, noting that it will serve as a key pillar for achieving sustainable development in Ajloun Governorate and surrounding areas by stimulating both local and foreign investment.
The investment opportunities include multiple tourism and recreational components, among them a four-star hotel, a boutique hotel, an eco-lodge, a camping area for university and school students, a family park, children’s play areas, an adventure zone, an outdoor cinema, and multi-purpose halls. These offerings open the door for the private sector to enter into genuine development partnerships that benefit the area.
He said the project is expected to generate more than 200 direct jobs for residents of Ajloun Governorate, in addition to hundreds of indirect opportunities during construction and operation phases.
He added that the park will bolster the presence of handicrafts and local products by dedicating spaces to display and market them to visitors, supporting the economic empowerment of rural communities. The park is also expected to attract large numbers of visitors from across the Kingdom, as well as tourists from abroad seeking environmental and recreational experiences in exceptional natural settings.
Ajlouni emphasized that the project’s master plan carefully considers the balance between development and environmental preservation by protecting natural vegetation, using eco-friendly construction materials, and developing walking and recreation trails that harmonize with the beauty and natural character of the site.
//Petra// AF
