ASEZA Hosts European Tourism Delegation to Boost Aqaba as Gateway to the Top Destinations in Jordan and Drive Growth in European Tourism Markets

Published on December 14, 2025

ASEZA, in collaboration with Turkish Airlines, organized a delegation of tourism offices of 18 members from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, as it organized a delegation of tourism offices of 18 members from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, as it arranged a delegation of tourism offices of 18 members from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, since ASEZA aimed to enhance tourism in European markets by ensuring that Aqaba is a key entrance point for visiting Jordan’s top tourist destinations.

Aqaba: A Gateway to Jordan’s Rich Tourism Landscape

The delegation’s visit focused on introducing Aqaba’s integrated tourism offerings, which include easy access to Wadi Rum and Petra, two of Jordan’s most iconic and globally recognized attractions. By highlighting Aqaba’s strategic location, the program emphasized how the city’s proximity to these world-renowned sites positions it as an ideal base for tourists seeking to explore southern Jordan. The city is a natural entry point for multi-destination trips, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with Jordan’s diverse tourism experiences.

Aqaba’s ability to provide direct access to both cultural heritage sites and natural wonders plays a significant role in its long-term tourism growth, making it a prime candidate for future investment and tourism market expansion.

Exploring Wadi Rum and Petra: The Future of Adventure and Heritage Tourism

The familiarization program included tours of Wadi Rum and Petra, two key tourism pillars in the region. Visitors explored Wadi Rum’s stunning desert landscapes, which offer opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. As global travelers increasingly seek unique, nature-based adventures, Wadi Rum is poised to become a major eco-tourism destination, tapping into the rising demand for outdoor exploration and environmentally conscious tourism.

At Petra, the delegation learned about the ancient city’s historical and cultural significance. Petra’s potential for heritage tourism is immense, and its role in the future of Jordan’s tourism economy cannot be overstated. With a growing number of tourists seeking authentic, cultural experiences, Petra will continue to play a vital role in Jordan’s tourism strategy. Moving forward, there is significant potential for creating multi-faceted tourism programs that combine heritage, nature, and adventure, offering a comprehensive, immersive experience to visitors.

Aqaba’s Tourism Infrastructure: Key to Future Growth

In Aqaba, the delegation reviewed the city’s hotel products and tourism services, visiting a range of hotels and resorts that cater to different traveler segments. This diverse accommodation infrastructure is vital for future tourism growth, as it provides options for both luxury travelers and those seeking more budget-friendly experiences. The visit also included professional meetings with Jordanian inbound tourism offices, where discussions about forging new partnerships and opening direct channels of cooperation with European markets took place.

As part of its future tourism vision, Aqaba is focused on enhancing its tourism infrastructure, including developing new tourist attractions, cultural experiences, and wellness tourism. This will help establish the city as a premier destination for both leisure travelers and business tourists, contributing to the diversification of Jordan’s tourism economy in the years ahead.

European Tourism Focus: Strengthening Cooperation for Long-Term Growth

ASEZA emphasized that this familiarization program is a key component of its long-term strategy to diversify tourism markets and bolster European tourism in the region. By showcasing Aqaba’s accessibility, natural beauty, and world-class cultural heritage, the initiative aims to increase visitor numbers from Europe—particularly from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic—and encourage more multidestination trips across Jordan.

Increased collaboration with European tourism agencies and tour operators will also play a critical role in strengthening Aqaba’s position in the competitive European tourism market. With direct flights, enhanced marketing initiatives, and continued tourism partnerships, Aqaba is poised to see an increase in tourism activity and a more sustainable growth trajectory.

The Future Impact: Expanding Aqaba’s Global Tourism Presence

Looking to the future, ASEZA’s efforts to promote Aqaba as a gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum are expected to have a significant impact on the regional tourism economy. Aqaba’s focus on creating a well-rounded tourism experience that combines luxury travel, adventure tourism, cultural exploration, and eco-tourism positions it as a leading destination in the Middle East.

As tourism markets continue to evolve, Aqaba’s strategic focus on diversification will allow it to appeal to a broader range of travelers—from those seeking peaceful retreats in nature to those looking for adventurous and culturally immersive experiences. With growing investments in tourism infrastructure, regional partnerships, and sustainability initiatives, Aqaba’s future in the global tourism market looks bright, contributing to the long-term economic growth of both the city and Jordan as a whole.

Aqaba’s Role in Shaping Jordan’s Tourism Future

The presence of the European tourism delegation in Aqaba is one of the factors that showcase the development of Aqaba as an important player in the tourism industry of Jordan. As Aqaba continues to build better relations with European tourist destinations, develop its attractiveness through highlighting its natural and cultural resources, and continue with sustainable tourism practices, it is evident that Aqaba is going to become an important tourist destination for international tourists. It is expected that with Aqaba’s current position as a tourist hub for accessing Wadi Rum and Petra, it will continue to contribute to the growth of the economy of Jordan in the approaching years.