Launch of an international air sports event in Wadi Rum
Amman2 min read
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An international event for free parachute jumping from hot air balloons and air sports kicked off in Wadi Rum, with the participation of about 16 skydivers, paramotor pilots, photographers, and specialists from a number of European countries. This is the first event of its kind hosted by the region, running until the 10th of this month.
The event—held with the support of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in the presence of the Commissioner for Tourism and Youth, Dr. Thabet Nabulsi, and organized by the Authority in cooperation with Balloons Over Rum and a number of European clubs specialized in air sports and skydiving—includes free fall from balloons, paramotor flying, and aerial photography.
Nabulsi stated that Wadi Rum's hosting of this international event reflects the diverse potentials enjoyed by the region and its ability to host sports and tourism activities that require a special geographical and environmental nature, pointing out that the valley's nature and rock formations constitute an attractive element for enthusiasts of air sports and adventure tourism.
He added that the participation of specialists from European clubs in the event provides a practical opportunity to introduce Wadi Rum to circles interested in this type of sports tourism, broaden the scope of target markets, and develop experiences that go beyond the traditional patterns known in the region.
He emphasized that the Authority is working to develop balloon tourism and air sports in Wadi Rum and increase the number of operating balloons, considering it an activity that can add a new experience to the tourism product and open the door for the private sector to develop services and investments related to adventure tourism.
He said that hosting this event also represents a first step towards building more regular events in the field of air sports, noting the Authority's aspiration for the experience to develop into an annual event that attracts participants from various countries and enhances Wadi Rum's presence among adventure tourism and air sports destinations.
For his part, the CEO of Balloons Over Rum, Eng. Fayez Al-Khleifat, said that the event is the result of public-private cooperation to develop balloon and aerial adventure activities in Wadi Rum, pointing to the initiation of preparations to hold a global balloon festival in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority next year.
