As-Salt, Jordan: A blend of historical architecture and modern tourism.

Unlocking As-Salt, Jordan: A Traveler's Guide to Culture, Challenges, and Hidden Gems

Rhea Morgan in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the current state of tourism in As-Salt City, Jordan, and discover how to make the most of your visit."

Jordan, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is actively developing its tourism sector to diversify its economy. While well-known sites like Petra often steal the spotlight, cities like As-Salt offer a unique glimpse into Jordan's historical and cultural tapestry.

As-Salt distinguishes itself with late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, offering a contrast to the predominantly archaeological focus of other Jordanian tourist destinations. The city aims to provide an immersive cultural experience, allowing tourists to connect with the local lifestyle.

This article explores the current state of tourism in As-Salt, drawing from a recent study that examines tourist demographics, perceptions, and challenges. It aims to equip potential visitors with valuable insights for a richer, more fulfilling travel experience.

Who Visits As-Salt and What Do They Experience?

As-Salt, Jordan: A blend of historical architecture and modern tourism.

A recent study surveyed tourists in As-Salt to understand their profiles and experiences. The findings offer a nuanced picture of the city's appeal and areas for improvement.

Here are some key demographic and experiential highlights:

Age and Gender: A significant portion of tourists, particularly Jordanians, are younger than expected, possibly due to school trips. The majority of visitors, both Jordanian and international, are female.
Length of Stay: Most tourists spend less than a day in As-Salt, often as part of a larger tour. This suggests that As-Salt is not yet a primary destination but rather a stop along the way.
Origin and Motivation: The primary reason for visiting As-Salt is its proximity to Amman, the capital of Jordan. However, a notable percentage of international tourists are drawn to As-Salt's heritage sites and buildings.
Activities: Popular activities include visiting the old Salt museum, Hammam street (the traditional market), archaeological museum, and admiring the traditional buildings. Non-Jordanian tourists showed more interest in the city's traditional life and museums compared to Jordanian visitors.
Transportation: Most Jordanian tourists drive their own cars or rent vehicles, while international tourists are more likely to use public transportation or tour buses.

Overall, the study indicates that As-Salt attracts a diverse range of visitors, each with unique interests and travel styles. Understanding these preferences is crucial for developing targeted tourism strategies.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The Future of Tourism in As-Salt

While As-Salt offers a compelling cultural experience, the study also highlights challenges that need to be addressed to enhance its appeal and attract more overnight visitors.

The most pressing issues include garbage and traffic. Addressing these concerns is crucial to improving the overall tourist experience and fostering a positive image of the city.

To unlock As-Salt's full potential, the following recommendations are crucial: provide detailed maps and English signage; increase the availability of knowledgeable tour guides; improve transportation and parking facilities; and enhance cleanliness. By addressing these challenges and building on its unique cultural assets, As-Salt can solidify its position as a must-visit destination in Jordan.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5539/jms.v4n4p147, Alternate LINK

Title: Understanding The Current Conditions Of Tourism Product And Tourism Perceptions In As-Salt City, Jordan

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Management and Sustainability

Publisher: Canadian Center of Science and Education

Authors: Ali Salem Hyasat, Marwan Abdullah Alnahleh

Published: 2014-11-27

Everything You Need To Know

What makes tourism in As-Salt City distinct from other destinations in Jordan?

As-Salt's tourism thrives on its unique blend of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, distinguishing it from Jordan's more archaeologically focused destinations like Petra. The city's aim is to immerse visitors in the local lifestyle, providing an authentic cultural experience centered around its historical buildings and traditional markets. It attracts diverse tourists, especially those interested in experiencing Jordanian heritage, in contrast to other sites that may focus on ancient ruins.

What are the typical age and gender demographics of tourists who visit As-Salt, and what implications might this have?

According to recent studies, most tourists, including Jordanians, are often younger, potentially due to organized school trips. There's also a noticeable trend of more female visitors, both Jordanian and international, exploring As-Salt. While not explicitly mentioned, these demographics might influence the types of cultural and recreational activities that are most appealing and should be considered when developing tourism packages.

Why do tourists choose to visit As-Salt, and how can the city leverage these motivations to encourage longer stays?

Many tourists primarily visit As-Salt due to its convenient location near Amman, making it an easy day trip. However, a significant portion of international tourists are specifically drawn to As-Salt's heritage sites and historical buildings. Enhancing the appeal of sites like the Old Salt Museum and Hammam Street could encourage longer stays, transforming As-Salt from a stopover to a main destination.

What activities do tourists typically engage in while visiting As-Salt, and what experiences might be missing?

Visitors to As-Salt engage in activities such as exploring the Old Salt Museum, wandering through Hammam Street (the traditional market), and visiting the Archaeological Museum. The architecture of traditional buildings is also a significant draw. Interestingly, non-Jordanian tourists exhibit a greater interest in As-Salt's traditional life and museums compared to Jordanian visitors. A missing element might be organized cultural events or workshops that further immerse visitors in local customs.

How do transportation preferences differ between Jordanian and international tourists in As-Salt, and what improvements could be made?

While Jordanian tourists predominantly use personal or rental cars, international tourists often rely on public transportation or tour buses to navigate As-Salt. This difference highlights a need for improved public transportation options and better-organized tour services that cater specifically to international visitors. Furthermore, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, such as cycling tours or electric vehicles, could enhance the city's appeal to environmentally conscious travelers and connect As-Salt to broader sustainability initiatives in Jordan.