jordan pulse -
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Jordan Tourism Board announced today at a conference held in Aqaba, in the presence of local and international press, that Aqaba, Jordan, has been chosen to host the 11th annual Wedding Planners Congress (DWP Congress).
The event will take place from October 7-9, bringing together over 500 participants from 70 different countries. A partnership agreement was signed between ASEZA and the conference's organizing company, QNA International, with the presence of Mr. Hamza Al-Haj Hassan, ASEZA's Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development and Tourism, and Mr. Syed Anwar Syed, Director of QNA International, as well as Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, and representatives from the official venue, Ayla Oasis Aqaba, and the official hotel, Hyatt Regency Ayla Aqaba.
The 11th DWP Congress, previously held in renowned global destinations such as Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Bali, Rhodes, Doha, and Victoria Falls, aims to showcase Jordan, and particularly Aqaba, as ideal wedding destinations, offering unforgettable experiences of hospitality, authentic heritage, delicious cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional experiences.
Mr. Al-Haj Hassan emphasized the importance of hosting the conference in Aqaba, saying, "We are delighted that Aqaba has been chosen to host this prestigious event after months of competition with prominent international destinations. Through collaborative efforts with our public and private sector partners, we have managed to tip the scale in favor of Aqaba. This event underscores the growing status of Aqaba as a global destination, in line with the ASEZA 2024-2028 strategic plan aimed at promoting tourism, attracting investment, and supporting sustainable development."
Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, stated that wedding tourism is a promising sector, as Jordan boasts unique attractions such as the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum, along with top-tier hotels and infrastructure. He added that the board is working on innovative strategies to promote wedding tourism and make Jordan a top destination for luxury weddings.
Mr. Syed Anwar Syed, Director of QNA International, expressed excitement about bringing the charm of Aqaba to global wedding experts, saying, "Our company has been successful in placing selected wedding destinations on the global map, and we are confident that this year's congress will offer a unique wedding destination. We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience in Aqaba, showcasing Jordan's wedding elegance and the warmth of its people."
According to previous statistics, the global wedding services industry saw significant growth in 2024, reaching USD 284.87 billion, compared to USD 267.08 billion in 2023. This growth is expected to continue at an annual rate of 7.02%, reaching USD 429.56 billion by 2030, with an expected annual growth rate of 25.11% from 2025 to 2033. This growth reflects the increasing desire of couples to host weddings at various destinations, and with this year’s congress in Jordan, the country's potential to capture a significant share of the global wedding industry will be highlighted.