jordan pulse -
A French tourist flight, organised by a foreign agent, is set to land at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba this evening, Tuesday, from Lyon, France. The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has supported the operation, which will see nine flights bringing 1,320 tourists by the end of the current tourism season.
Dr Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the JTB, highlighted the importance of this development, signalling efforts to attract more tourist flights to the Kingdom despite ongoing regional challenges, such as the Gaza conflict. He noted that receiving these tourists in Aqaba, and facilitating their visits to Jordan’s historical sites, will help boost the tourism sector.
Arabiyat credited the joint efforts between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the JTB, Aqaba authorities, and tourism companies in revitalising the industry. He also emphasised that Jordan's successful marketing strategies will likely lead to increased tourist numbers, thereby contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The JTB is also working hard to attract more chartered and low-cost flights from other countries, with a comprehensive strategy in place to support such flights. This includes government exemptions on departure taxes and additional support for flights operating through Aqaba.
Fadi Abu Areesh, CEO of Al Thuraya Tourism and Travel, praised the JTB’s direct incentives programme, which has boosted charter flight activity to Aqaba. He also expressed hopes for an end to the Gaza conflict, which has impacted the tourism sector and reduced overall revenues.