jordan pulse -
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez, said that foreign tourism has decreased in Aqaba, by an estimated percentage of 80 percent.
Al-Fayez added, on the Good Morning program, which is broadcast on Jordanian television and presented by our colleague Hazem Al-Rahahla and Randa Kardasha, that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7 led to the cessation of foreign tourism at the beginning of its season, following a period of tourism recovery in the country.
He explained that domestic tourism also declined significantly, until the occupancy rate in one month reached 16 percent, meaning these are frightening numbers.
He pointed out that cooperation took place between the concerned authorities and the private sector in the governorate, to launch a campaign called the discount season, to stimulate the economy in Aqaba.
He pointed out that the atmosphere of Aqaba is beautiful throughout the year, and in the winter it is special, noting that at the beginning of the year the new campaign was launched, bringing the occupancy rate in the governorate’s hotels to 44 percent.
He stressed that the occupancy rate is not sufficient, but it has improved the economic activity in the governorate, pointing out that there has been cooperation with the Tourism Promotion Authority to activate the Our Ordunna Jannah program. The number of visitors to the program today, Friday, reached 3,000 people, with a total number of 13,000.