Aqaba:The Aqaba Port recently welcomed the cruise ship Aroya, arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The vessel carried approximately 3,400 tourists, primarily Saudi nationals, along with around 1,200 crew members, marking a significant contribution to the city's tourism and economic activities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Aroya's visit is part of a growing trend in cruise traffic that bolsters Aqaba's status as a marine tourism hub. The ship docked at the cruise terminal in the morning and was set to depart in the evening, with plans for tourists to explore archaeological and tourist sites in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum.
Logistical arrangements included designating the area opposite the City Services Building for the transport of tourist groups to and from downtown Aqaba. Nine shuttle buses were allocated for local transportation, while eight buses headed to Petra and two to Wadi Rum, all scheduled to return by evening. Additionally, 10 buses were dedicated to sightseeing tours of Aqaba's main attractions.
Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), emphasized the importance of welcoming cruise ships in enhancing Aqaba's position as a leading marine tourism destination. He highlighted that the visit of Aroya is part of broader efforts to boost tourism activity and attract more visitors through cruise itineraries.
Al-Nabulsi also noted that cruise traffic positively impacts various sectors linked to tourism by increasing visitor numbers and stimulating commercial and service activities. He affirmed ASEZA's ongoing support for the marine tourism sector, aiming to attract more cruise ships and tourists to Aqaba.
The visit of Aroya underscores the growing cruise ship traffic to Aqaba and its role in supporting economic activities across tourism-related sectors. The ship operates on a regular route from Jeddah, stopping at Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba before returning to Jeddah, thereby enhancing marine tourism connections among regional ports.