AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Sunday launched three new tourism support programmes for 2026 aimed at boosting demand, encouraging longer visitor stays and supporting the development and marketing of tourism products in Aqaba and Wadi Rum.

 

The programmes were announced during a meeting in Amman attended by ASEZA Tourism and Youth Commissioner Thabet Al Nabulsi, representatives of tourism and travel offices and companies, tourism event organisers and members of the Aqaba Tourism Committee.

 

According to figures presented by ASEZA, Aqaba and Wadi Rum received around 1.03 million visitors during the first half of 2026, while hotel guests numbered 382,800. The average length of stay increased from 1.9 nights to 2.2 nights.

 

Wadi Rum received 130,549 visitors during the same period, while the diving sector recorded 36.8 per cent growth, with the number of divers reaching 26,076.

 

ASEZA said Aqaba currently has around 7,000 hotel rooms, with another 5,125 rooms expected to be added, including around 2,500 by 2027.

 

The new support package includes a domestic tourism programme offering an incentive of JD5 for each eligible hotel night, with an annual ceiling of JD40,000 for each eligible tourism office.

 

The inbound tourism programme provides $15 per visitor for stays of three nights or more and $25 for stays of five nights or more, with an annual ceiling of JD50,000 per eligible tourism office.

 

A third programme supporting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) offers support equal to 10 per cent of eligible net expenditure for events involving stays of at least two nights. The support rises to 12 per cent for stays of three nights or more, provided there are at least 50 participants. The ceiling is JD25,000 for domestic events and JD35,000 for international events.

 

Nabulsi said partnership with the private sector was central to ASEZA’s efforts to develop tourism products and strengthen Aqaba and Wadi Rum’s competitiveness.

 

He said destination development required more than promotion, encompassing product development, accessibility, opening new markets, generating demand and providing practical support for tourism businesses.

 

Connectivity and new experiences

 

ASEZA is working to improve air connectivity with regional and international markets, including direct routes to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, while an Aqaba-Moscow route is also being developed.

 

The authority is also working with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board to strengthen connectivity with European markets.

 

Officials said better access was essential to developing new tourism products and attracting visitors to Aqaba and Wadi Rum.

 

ASEZA is also documenting and promoting new tourism experiences, including wedding tourism in Wadi Rum, with the aim of positioning the desert destination as an attractive location for weddings and special events.

 

Tourism stakeholders and media representatives are being encouraged to experience Aqaba and Wadi Rum themselves so they can promote the destinations more authentically.

 

Wadi Rum and diving

 

ASEZA has strengthened inspection and regulation of tourism activities in Wadi Rum, including jeep tours, camps, climbing and adventure activities.

 

Around 4,000 tents are currently operating in Wadi Rum, while approximately 90 camps have been licensed.

 

The authority has introduced standards for classifying tourism camps, taking into account international best practices, environmental considerations and accessibility requirements. The system is intended to help tour operators market the camps more effectively and provide visitors with clearer information.

 

The diving sector has also been regulated and digitised. Diving centres are required to register divers and diving locations through an electronic system, which will help improve oversight and monitor pressure on diving sites.

 

Reducing hotel costs

 

ASEZA is working with the Ministries of Energy and Mineral Resources and Water and Irrigation on programmes aimed at reducing hotel operating costs through energy and water efficiency.

 

Energy audits were carried out at around 15 hotels, while approximately eight hotels implemented recommended measures.

 

Officials said one hotel reported that its monthly electricity bill fell from around JD5,000 to JD1,000 following the improvements.

 

ASEZA is also developing a classification system for tourism restaurants aimed at improving standards and the visitor dining experience.

 

Events and demand

 

The authority is using events and marketing campaigns to increase demand and encourage longer stays.

 

The Amwaj events programme has been expanded this year, including public events and Amwaj Plus ticketed performances.

 

ASEZA is also continuing to promote Aqaba through outdoor advertising, digital campaigns and social media.

 

Officials said five-star hotels in Aqaba recorded around 94 per cent occupancy during the weekend, highlighting the potential of domestic and regional tourism.

 

Strengthening private-sector cooperation

 

The newly established Aqaba Tourism Committee, comprising 23 members representing tourism businesses and supporting entities, is intended to strengthen coordination between ASEZA and the private sector.

 

ASEZA has also streamlined procedures for visitors entering Jordan with specialised equipment for activities such as diving and bird watching. Approved equipment lists have been circulated to border crossings and airports, while training has been provided to relevant inspection personnel.

 

The meeting concluded with the signing of agreements with tourism partners benefiting from the new incentive programmes.

 

ASEZA said the measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Aqaba and Wadi Rum as complementary destinations and attract more visitors from domestic, regional and international markets.