Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi emphasized that the agreement comes within the framework of the Authority's efforts to enhance Aqaba's air connectivity with international tourism markets and open new horizons for attracting visitors and stimulating tourism and economic activity. He pointed out that the Russian market represents an important opportunity to increase tourist numbers, given the diverse tourism assets Aqaba enjoys and its proximity to Jordan's most prominent tourist sites, primarily Petra and Wadi Rum.
For his part, the Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Jordanian Airlines, Karim Makhlouf, confirmed that launching the direct flight route between Aqaba and Moscow constitutes an important step in enhancing air connectivity, as it is the first long-haul international route from Aqaba and the fourth direct international destination for Royal Jordanian from the city, after Cairo, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi.
Makhlouf added that Royal Jordanian, in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and the Jordan Tourism Board, looks forward to this route being the beginning of continuous efforts to attract more tourists to Jordan and Aqaba, as it is Jordan's maritime destination and a convenient starting point for exploring the tourism assets that the Kingdom abounds with.
The agreement comes within the efforts of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority to develop the air transport system and expand the network of international destinations connected to Aqaba, which contributes to enhancing its position as a tourist and investment destination and raising its competitiveness at the regional and international levels by facilitating visitor access and providing direct travel options from target markets.
The new route is expected to contribute to stimulating tourism and promoting the assets that Aqaba enjoys, including beach and marine tourism, diving, hotel facilities, and tourist resorts, in addition to providing the opportunity to develop integrated and diverse tourism programs for visitors that include the most prominent tourist destinations in the Kingdom.
This step is also expected to reflect positively on economic sectors related to tourism, including hotels, restaurants, transport, and commercial services, as well as supporting job opportunities, stimulating private sector activity, and increasing tourism spending and overnight stays, in addition to expanding cooperation with tour operators and travel agencies in the Russian market.
The agreement embodies the partnership and integration between the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and the Jordan Tourism Board by unifying efforts to support the operation of the route and enhance the promotion of Aqaba in target markets, which supports the sustainability of flights and enhances their tourism and economic impact.
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority continues to work with its partners in the public and private sectors to attract new direct air routes, diversify tourism markets, develop the tourism product, and enhance Aqaba's international presence, contributing to consolidating its position as a tourism and economic gateway for Jordan and an attractive destination for visitors and investments throughout the year.
