Slovak tourists' charter flight arrives in Aqaba

AMMAN — A Slovak plane has arrived at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba with 110 tourists on board, marking the start of a weekly flight supported by the Jordan Tourism Board and organised by Hydro Waters in cooperation with Al Jisr Company, tourism, and Travel Jordanian Agent.

Deputy Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and Commissioner for Investment and Tourism Hamza Hajj Hassan said on Thursday that the resumption of charter flights to Aqaba comes within strategic plans and programmes aimed at promoting and gradually attracting tourist groups in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Hajj Hassan pointed out that the number of visitors during holidays and special occasions exceeded expectations, thanks to the authority’s implementation of artistic and entertainment events targeting Aqaba's local and international visitors and residents.

He also stressed the importance of artistic, entertainment and cultural events, in addition to the weekly heritage markets that are held in the Great Arab Revolt Square, and which are organised by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in partnership with various parties.

The official also said that these events target different tastes, offering activities such as swimming, water sports and visiting historical and heritage museums, as the Aqaba Bird Observatory is considered a major destination for groups of migratory birds.

Hajj Hassan also added that land trips to Wadi Rum are also trendy among tourists who visit the region to watch the sunset, watch the stars, and enjoy the “unique” pink sand.

Ahmed Krishan from JTB pointed out that these regular flights will pave the way for more international airlines to operate in Aqaba, stressing that the authority has intensified its efforts to promote tourism through charter flights, which indicates a recovery in tourism activity and recovery from regional challenges.