The Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, exemplifies the growing tension between tourism development and sustainability in mountain-protected areas. Known for its stunning desert and sandstone mountains, Wadi Rum has seen a sharp rise in visitors in recent years, driven by jeep tours and, to a lesser extent, climbing activities including trad climbing and Bedouin routes (local mountaineering). While this influx boosts the local economy, it also raises critical sustainability challenges.

One pressing issue is the environmental impact of off-road tourism. The increasing number of jeeps crossing the steppe leaves lasting tracks, leading to pasture scarcity and forcing Bedouin nomads to travel further in search of grazing lands. This exemplifies the broader question of whether protected status effectively boosts tourism but challenges the conservation of biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.

Additionally, the development of luxury accommodations in the protected area, particularly the “bubble” hotels inspired by Star Wars (filmed in Wadi Rum), raises concerns about resource consumption. These structures, featuring air conditioning and swimming pools, rely on significant water supplies transported by tanker trucks, highlighting the challenge of managing tourism infrastructure in ecologically fragile regions. Meanwhile, the expansion of camps for hosting tourists and climbers has prompted the government to tighten regulations to better control their proliferation. This has heightened tensions with Bedouin communities, reflecting long-standing disputes between them and the government over tourism management in Wadi Rum.

These dynamics reflect key debates in mountain-protected area tourism: To what extent should tourism development be balanced to avoid compromising fragile mountain ecosystems? How can the promotion of tourism lead to tensions between local stakeholders and protected area managers? What is the role of tourism operators in raising awareness and promoting pro-environmental behavior among visitors?