French delegation visits Aqaba, checks on tourist, investment opportunities

AMMAN — A French delegation on Saturday visited Aqaba as part of a comprehensive introductory programme about Jordanian tourism products, organised by the Jordan Tourism Board and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).

The visit aimed to enhance Jordan's position as a leading global tourist destination and highlight local expertise and promising investment opportunities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

It also improves Aqaba and Wadi Rum's status as a model for sustainable tourism development in the region.

During a meeting with the delegation, Deputy Chairman of ASEZA and Commissioner for Investment and Tourism Hamza Hajj Hassan emphasised the importance of Aqaba as an "integrated" tourist destination.

He highlighted the coastal city's diverse experiences and tourism products that attract the French market, which is considered one of the most significant sources of visitors to Aqaba and Jordan.

He added that ASEZA is targeting this market through specialised promotional and marketing campaigns, in addition to participating in international exhibitions and markets to promote Aqaba and Wadi Rum.

Hajj Hassan delivered a presentation of the city's current situation, future plans, and the incentives and investment opportunities offered by the authority to investors and businesspeople.

Investing in infrastructure and revitalising tourism projects are key pillars of the ASEZA's 2024-2028 strategy, which aims to transform Aqaba into a distinguished and competitive economic and tourist hub in the region, capable of attracting leading tourism markets, he said.

Delegation members, including several columnists, journalists, editors-in-chief, and news producers from the most prominent French print and broadcast media outlets, expressed their appreciation for the efforts made in developing the tourism sector.

They said that this visit would open new opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in investment and tourism.

The delegates also visited Wadi Rum, the Great Arab Revolt Square, the Sharif Hussein bin Ali's house, Aqaba Fort and Ayla Oasis.