Aqaba Moves To Strengthen Diving Sector As Key Driver Of Tourism

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Aqaba, Aug. 21 (Petra) -- The diving sector in Aqaba is gaining renewed attention as a cornerstone of the city's tourism strategy, with efforts underway to enhance cooperation, improve regulations, and ensure long-term sustainability.
During a meeting held Wednesday at the Aqaba Marine Reserve, Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), stressed the importance of creating an environment that allows the diving industry to grow, adapt, and thrive, positioning Aqaba as a leading destination for diving along the Red Sea.
The gathering brought together representatives of local dive centers and villages to discuss sector-wide challenges, including regulatory updates, diver transport logistics, and the environmental capacity of dive sites. Participants welcomed recent reforms by ASEZA aimed at organizing the sector and improving coastal management.
Director of the Marine Reserve, Nasser Zawaideh, highlighted the shared responsibility of dive centers and visitors in protecting the marine ecosystem, noting the role of awareness and education in preventing environmental harm. He emphasized ASEZA's ongoing work to improve service quality in the sector.
Colonel Dirar Al-Hawamleh of the Royal Naval Forces and Royal Boats Command underscored the navy's role in monitoring dive activity both onshore and offshore, adding that coordination with ASEZA continues to ensure safety standards and service quality are upheld.
President of the Aqaba Diving Association, Khamash Yaseen, acknowledged the Authority's efforts and called for additional support, especially given the regional pressures affecting tourism and dive operations.
Abdul Fattah Abu Al-Ezz, Head of ASEZA's Tourism Establishments and Professions Classification Department, shared recent developments and achievements in the diving sector, aiming to boost its competitiveness on a global scale and reinforce its resilience amid evolving challenges.

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