Protected areas (PAs) are crucial for preserving delicate ecosystems and biodiversity, as stipulated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) standards. Considered hubs for ecotourism, these areas contribute to safeguarding natural, historical and cultural elements while promoting sustainable development. With a delicate, arid climate, yet with nature spots full of biodiversity, the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan has seen an increase in tourism across its protected areas, putting pressure on its natural assets. Three PAs in particular stand in Jordan, namely the Ajloun Forest Reserve (AFR), the Azraq Wetland Reserve (ZWR) and the Dana Biosphere Reserve (DBR). The increase in visitors to these areas has led to notable environmental degradation, which in turn has underlined the need for the regulation of tourism and the adoption of sustainable practices. This study investigates carrying capacity strategies (CCS) for sustainable practices through semi-structured interviews with three protected area managers. Findings suggest varying visitor limits, research efforts, zoning enhancements, different proactive measures and technological innovations that have been applied across the three reserves to address environmental pressures. Despite differences among the PAs, involved stakeholders are committed to advancing conservation and applying adaptive management approaches to address tourism pressures. This research contributes to current discussions on conservation and sustainable tourism solutions, emphasising the need for tailored approaches to preserve Jordan’s natural areas effectively. The results highlight the importance of carrying capacity assessment and zoning measures in sustainable tourism management, aiming to balance conservation imperatives with tourism development for the long-term preservation of ecologically significant areas.