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​The Port of Aqaba on Friday welcomed the cruise ship "AROYA," arriving from the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carrying around 3,400 tourists, mostly of Saudi nationality, alongside nearly 1,200 crew members, as part of cruise ship activities contributing to boosting tourism and economic movement in the city of Aqaba.
​The ship arrived at the cruise terminal at 8:00 AM and is scheduled to depart at 9:00 PM on the same day, following a itinerary that includes visits to key tourist sites in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum.
​The plaza opposite the city services building was designated for transferring tourists to and from downtown Aqaba via 9 dedicated shuttle buses. Additionally, 8 tour buses headed to the city of Petra, 2 tour buses departed for Wadi Rum—scheduled to return in the evening—along with 10 buses dedicated to local sightseeing tours across Aqaba's main landmarks.
​Thabit Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), emphasized the importance of receiving cruise ships in strengthening Aqaba's standing as a primary maritime tourism destination. He noted that the arrival of "AROYA" forms part of ongoing efforts to stimulate tourism and attract more cruise passengers.
​Al-Nabulsi explained that cruise ship traffic reflects positively on various sectors linked to tourism by increasing visitor numbers and revitalizing commercial and service activities, affirming ASEZA's continued support for maritime tourism and its commitment to attracting more cruise liners to Aqaba.
​The visit of the cruise ship "AROYA" comes within the growing momentum of cruise traffic to Aqaba, reinforcing the city's role as a maritime tourism hub and supporting economic activity across sectors connected to the tourism industry.
​Source: Rum News Agency