Red Sea resort offers high quality diving, luxury hotels and easy access to Jordan’s wealth of natural and archaeological wonders
The Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board are glad to announce that one of the world’s leading carriers will begin flying to the Kingdom starting winter of 2018. The announcement from easyJet stated that the two new routes from London and Berlin will begin operation in November of 2018. The new routes will operate on a winter seasonal basis to the coastal city of Aqaba and are expected to bring in several thousand new tourists a year.
The launch of new non-stop flights from London Gatwick to Aqaba in Jordan, announced today by low cost airline easyJet, will open up one of the Middle East’s most exciting destinations to travellers from the UK. The historic Port City on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba boasts beaches, premier snorkeling and scuba diving, and unbeatable access to Jordan’s south, where highlights include the famous ancient city of Petra and the spectacular desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
Aqaba has been transformed in recent years with billion-dollar development in two new resorts – Ayla and Saraya Aqaba – that welcome holidaymakers with new four and five-star hotels, activity experiences, a marina, restaurants and beach clubs. With average high temperatures reaching above 20 degrees during the winter months, and additional developments including Jordan’s first 18-hole Championship Golf course, a professional-quality wake-boarding park, and the region’s first water park, Aqaba is fast becoming the region’s leading winter sun destination.
Visitor numbers to Jordan from the UK have grown in recent years following the launch of the Jordan Trail, a nation-long walking trail showcasing the diverse range of experiences the country has to offer, and the resurgence of consumer confidence in the destination. UK visitor numbers increased by 6 per cent in 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab said: “This new partnership with easyJet is very exciting. We’re very happy to see easyJet operating in the Kingdom and we see this as a long term collaboration between Jordan and one of the world’s most renowned low cost carriers. This collaboration will contribute towards increasing the number of tourists to Jordan’s Golden Triangle (Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum) and we’re working together to increase the number of routes into Aqaba with easyJet over the next few years. This is yet another step towards making Jordan as accessible as possible for tourists from around the globe which is a key component in the Kingdom’s plan for continued growth and development. We’ve been fortunate to see tourism numbers experience great growth over the past couple of years and we have our sights set on continuing that growth through partnerships with airlines and the public and private sectors.”
Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, added: “The two new easyJet-operated routes to Aqaba will have a vital role in making Aqaba an accessible destination on its own. Aqaba, the warm gem by the Red Sea, offers a stunning seaside destination with its rich underwater coral reefs and a unique swimming experience adorned with a picturesque mountainous backdrop. Kilometers away, one can entertain their senses in the mesmerising beauty of time-defying stone-carved city of Petra, as well as Wadi Rum, Hollywood’s number one natural replica of planet Mars. This is a smart step that will eventually turn Aqaba and its neighboring touristic attractions into a top-of-mind escape during the winter days of Europe, which will reflect positively on Jordan’s economic status quo.”
Aqaba is located in the far south of Jordan, less than five hours flying time from the UK. Aqaba International Airport is situated just 20 minutes from the centre of Aqaba, with both new resorts an equally short journey away. The red-rose city of Petra, one of the seven modern wonders of the world, is just a two-hour drive, making it an accessible day trip, while the Unesco World Heritage landscape of Wadi Rum is even closer, meaning travellers can combine relaxing days with exploring some of the world-famous experiences Jordan has to offer.
The service commences on the 10 November on Saturdays with a frequency of 1 flight per week through to the 23 March. Tickets are already on sale on the easyJet website with prices from £41.98 one way.
Stand: ME140, ME150