Ammon News - The cruise ship "ASTORIA GRANDE" arrived at the Aqaba Cruise Ship Terminal for the first time, carrying approximately 670 tourists, mostly Russian nationals, along with 354 crew members.

The arrival is expected to strengthen Aqaba's presence on international cruise itineraries and support efforts to diversify the city's target tourism markets.

The cruise ship arrived in Aqaba from the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh and is scheduled to stay overnight before departing tomorrow for Hurghada, as part of its sea voyage to the Turkish city of Antalya.

Murad Shehadeh, Head of the Tourism Data and Services Department at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), told "Al-Ghad newapaper" that the ship's first arrival in Aqaba comes as part of the authority's efforts to boost tourism activity, expand the city's reach into international tourism markets, and attract more cruise ships.

He said these efforts aim to strengthen Aqaba's position as a tourist destination on the regional and international tourism map.

Shehadeh noted that the cruise ship is expected to return to Aqaba next year, reflecting the potential for the city to become part of its future cruise itineraries and paving the way for continued arrivals from the markets targeted by these voyages.

He added that the arrival of the ship, carrying both tourists and crew members, presents another opportunity to stimulate tourism activity in Aqaba and benefit tourism-related sectors, including transportation, commercial services and tourism facilities. It will also help promote the city's attractions and Jordan's tourist destinations.

Cruise tourism holds strategic importance in strengthening Aqaba's competitiveness, given its location on the Red Sea and its potential to connect regional and international tourist destinations.

Attracting cruise operators and expanding their itineraries to include Aqaba is therefore an important way to boost tourism activity and diversify the sources of the local economy.