Aqaba to host the world’s biggest B2B congress for destination weddings

AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) on Monday announced that the Aqaba city has been chosen as the next destination to host the prestigious 11th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress. 

The announcement was made during a press conference that took place in Aqaba in the presence of local, regional and international media representatives, according to an ASEZA statement.

The DWP Congress, organised by QNA International, recognized as the world’s largest B2B platform for the destination wedding industry, will take place from October 7th to 9th, 2025 and is to expected see the participation of over 500 attendees from more than 70 countries.

Deputy Chief Commissioner, Commissioner for Economic Development and Tourism of ASEZA Hamza Haj Hasan, QNA International Managing Director Sidh NC and JTB Managing Director  Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat signed the partnership agreement.

The event’s official venue will be Ayla Oasis, with Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla serving as the official hotel, according to the statement. 

The DWP Congress has previously been hosted in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Bali, Rhodes, Doha, and Victoria Falls. 

Hosting the prestigious event positions Aqaba as a prime wedding destination, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality, the statement said. 

Haj Hasan expressed pride in Aqaba’s selection, emphasising its competitive edge over other international destinations.

"Hosting the DWP Congress is a testament to Aqaba’s growing status as a global tourism hub. This aligns with Jordan’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan to enhance tourism, attract investment, and drive sustainable growth. Aqaba’s natural beauty—its sun, sea, and sand—sets the perfect stage for unforgettable weddings."

Arabiyat also highlighted wedding tourism as a key pillar of Jordan’s tourism industry and national economy.

"Jordan offers unique wedding destinations, from the Dead Sea and Petra to Wadi Rum, alongside world-class hotels and infrastructure. We are committed to promoting Jordan as a luxury wedding destination and will launch new campaigns under the National Tourism Strategy for 2025 to attract high-value wedding tourism and create local job opportunities."

QNA International’s managing director expressed confidence in Aqaba’s potential as a global wedding hotspot.

"We are excited to introduce Aqaba to the global wedding community. Over the past decade, we have successfully positioned top wedding destinations worldwide, and we believe Aqaba will captivate our attendees with its charm, elegance, and warm hospitality."

The global wedding industry is witnessing significant growth. According to Research and Markets, the wedding services market grew from $267.08 billion in 2023 to $284.87 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $429.56 billion by 2030. 

Meanwhile, the destination wedding market is expected to hit $320.3 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 25.11 per cent between 2025 and 2033, underscoring the lucrative opportunities for Jordan in the luxury wedding sector.

The 11th Annual DWP Congress in Aqaba will bring together the world’s most influential luxury wedding planners, celebrity wedding specialists, royalty experts, and destination wedding professionals. The event will feature an extensive lineup of industry leaders, including high-end venues, hotels, designers, photographers, jewellers, and cake artists from over 70 countries.