Aqaba, March 26 (Petra) -- Aqaba recorded "strong" tourist activity during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday, reflected in visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy rates, underscoring the city’s continued position as one of Jordan’s "leading" travel destinations during peak seasons and official holidays.

Official data issued by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) showed 55,458 visitors entered the city through border crossings and customs centers during the period from March 19 to 23, 2026, including around 39,814 arrivals through customs centers and 15,644 through border crossings.

In remarks to 'Petra," ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Thabet Nabulsi the Southern Crossing ranked first among entry points, which received a total of 6,573 visitors, followed by the Durra Border Crossing with 4,353 visitors, meaning that around 70 percent of total arrivals entered through these two main gateways.

Nabulsi added that Aqaba’s hotels posted an average occupancy rate of 46 percent during the holiday period, with a clear peak on March 21 after the occupancy rose to 65 percent.

//Petra// AO