Aqaba Authority: We expect hotel occupancy of no less than 90% over the next two months
Amman3 min read
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Director of the Tourism Directorate at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Salam Al-Maliki, said that the occupancy rate of Aqaba hotels reached 93% during the current weekend, while she expected that occupancy rates during the months of October and November would not be less than 90%.
Al-Maliki added on Friday that the tourism indicators for the coming months are "promising," noting that the hotel occupancy rate is one of the most prominent indicators by which the tourism situation in Aqaba can be judged.
Regarding the operation of direct and regular flights between Riyadh and Aqaba, Al-Maliki said that the operation of the direct line between the two cities yesterday evening is "an important strategic step for Aqaba and the region significantly."
She explained that connecting Aqaba with direct air routes, including the Aqaba airline route, allows for receiving numbers of visitors from the region, and helps to increase hotel occupancy rates and stimulate tourism activity and the tourism sector in general.
She pointed out that the first plane arriving from Riyadh was received yesterday, while the second plane arriving from Abu Dhabi was scheduled to be received within hours.
She added that the direct air link is not limited to the markets connected to these lines, but also helps to connect Aqaba to global markets linked to these major cities, which allows for attracting new markets and additional numbers of visitors.
She said that "the initial readings are promising."
Al-Maliki attributed the rise in visitor numbers and occupancy rates to the efforts of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in cooperation with the private tourism sector in Aqaba, in addition to joint promotional campaigns with Royal Jordanian.
She pointed to the continued work on promotional campaigns, and hosting media outlets and influencers to help promote Aqaba.
She also drew attention to the "calendar of events" that are held throughout the year in Aqaba, in addition to the programs and events organized by the Authority, including the "Amwaj" festival events, which include free and paid events.
Al-Maliki said that the diversity of the tourism product in Aqaba makes it a destination for various groups, whether families or youth, pointing to the availability of marine sports and diving, and the possibility of moving within about 45 minutes from the sea atmosphere and water activities to the Wadi Rum desert.
She added that the "Golden Triangle" allows access to Petra in less than two hours, considering that this diversity within a small geographical area has helped increase the number of visitors.
Regarding Wadi Rum, Al-Maliki said that the Authority is currently focusing significantly on attracting the Jordanian tourist.
She pointed to the continued visit of tourists and visitors from the region, whether from Saudi Arabia or from Arabs within occupied Palestine, confirming that the numbers "confirm a great and growing interest in Wadi Rum."
She pointed out that the infrastructure of King Hussein International Airport helps visitors reach Aqaba and Wadi Rum easily, noting the speed of procedures at the airport.
She said that the visitor, after arriving at the airport, can leave the plane, collect their luggage, and exit within about 25 to 30 minutes at most, confirming that this readiness helps in receiving visitors and keeping pace with tourism movement.
