AMMAN — Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs Thabet Nabulsi on Thursday took part in the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) event in Beijing, China.
The event brought together senior international officials and experts in tourism and technology to discuss emerging trends and opportunities in sustainable tourism development.
During the event, Nabulsi participated in the Smart Tourism Experience Salon, where he showcased Aqaba as a model for smart tourism, according to an ASEZA statement.
He highlighted Aqaba’s experience in leveraging technology and innovation to develop its tourism sector, noting that the city has adopted an integrated tourism model that draws on its natural, cultural and heritage assets while advancing digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications.
Nabulsi said that Aqaba is increasingly integrating digital solutions and AI technologies into tourism management and development to improve services, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the sector’s sustainability, while boosting the city’s competitiveness as a regional and international destination.
He added that ASEZA’s future vision prioritises embedding technology in the design of personalised digital tourism experiences and using artificial intelligence to promote and present cultural heritage.
The strategy also focuses on strengthening environmental sustainability in the Red Sea region and expanding opportunities for youth in the digital economy, smart tourism and innovation.
Nabulsi also highlighted the strength of Jordanian-Chinese relations, saying the partnership continues to expand in technology, development and cultural exchange, opening new avenues for cooperation in smart tourism and innovation.
The ASEZA delegation, which participated in the event hosted by Baidu Apollo—one of the leading global platforms in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies—also included Wadi Rum Reserve Director Saleh Naimat.
ASEZA said the participation is part of its efforts to promote Aqaba to international tourism and technology stakeholders while showcasing investment opportunities in smart tourism and the digital economy.
It added that the move is expected to support tourism development and enhance Aqaba’s regional and international competitiveness.