Aqaba: Tourism and Antiquities Minister Imad Hijazin held a significant meeting with 313 tourism stakeholders in Aqaba, accompanied by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Chief Commissioner Fares Breizat, and ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Thabet Hassan Al-Nabulsi. The focus of the meeting was on enhancing tourism connectivity within the “Golden Triangle” of Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Petra.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hijazin emphasized the ministry’s efforts to elevate the Golden Triangle into a world-class destination with a unique brand. The minister underscored the importance of investing in local tourism products to boost competitiveness. Plans were unveiled to modify the existing agreement between the ministry and ASEZA, granting the authority full oversight of tourism facilities beyond the special zone. Additionally, Wadi Rum is set to be placed under ASEZA’s administrative and regulatory control to align it with its global stature.
Hijazin also detailed the operations of the newly created Tourism Sector Development Fund, along with plans to reassess the “Our Jordan is Paradise” domestic tourism program. External marketing strategies by the Jordan Tourism Board and a focus on religious tourism were highlighted as key priorities. He emphasized the need to gather data on the damage suffered by the tourism sector.
Majali highlighted ASEZA’s collaborative efforts with all tourism sectors, in coordination with the ministry and the tourism board, aiming to jointly market the Golden Triangle to rejuvenate tourism across various categories. He remarked on Aqaba’s progress in infrastructure, including airports, ports, hotels, resorts, and restaurants, establishing it as a major destination for both domestic and international visitors.
He expressed optimism about intensifying efforts to present Aqaba as a city offering a complete range of tourism components. These include Islamic and Christian heritage, which enhance its appeal for religious tourism, alongside marine tourism, water sports, adventure tourism, and aerial sports.
Regarding air connectivity, Majali mentioned ongoing discussions with stakeholders. He noted that Royal Jordanian currently operates 17 weekly flights between Aqaba and Amman, with plans to increase this number to 21. Furthermore, a pilot program for ride-hailing taxi apps will start at the end of the month, running for five months. A feasibility study is also underway with the electricity company to establish solar farms, aiming to reduce power costs for tourism investors.
Breizat described the Golden Triangle as one of the world’s foremost tourism destinations, with cultural tourism, especially in Petra, being a key attraction. Recognizing the fluctuating visitor numbers, he emphasized developing alternative attractions to draw culturally inclined tourists globally.
Jordan boasts around 52 key Islamic religious tourism sites and 90 Christian ones, including notable Christian pilgrimage locations such as the Byzantine church in Aqaba and 10 ancient churches in Petra. Breizat added that the Golden Triangle also houses significant Islamic sites like Mount Al-Tahkeem, Al-Humayma, and Al-Abbasiya, which should be developed to complement cultural tourism and linked with similar sites nationwide. He also stressed the importance of adventure tourism, connecting tourist trails, enhancing Jordan’s medical tourism, and improving all forms of tourist transport.
Tourism sector representatives in Aqaba presented their main challenges and proposals, focusing on enhancing marketing, attracting visitors through hobby-based tourism, linking the Golden Triangle via transport networks, establishing solar power stations, and promoting local tourism products, Aqaba’s heritage, diving, and smart applications that serve both tourists and residents.