Jordan Features on Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for the third Year
22nd October 2024
Aqaba, in Jordan has once again secured a spot in Green Destinations prestigious Top 100 Stories of Good Practices, marking the third year Jordan has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable destination management. Following the spotlight on Azraq Wetland Reserve in 2022 and Aqaba Bird Observatory in 2023, Aqaba’s inclusion in 2024 celebrates its progress in balancing tourism growth with environmental preservation.
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) faced the challenge of protecting the Red Sea's fragile coral reefs while managing the rising popularity of dive tourism. To address this, ASEZA collaborated with private sector partners and local residents to scuttle military wrecks, creating artificial reefs that now form the world’s first Underwater Military Museum. (Read story here)
This initiative not only reduced the strain on natural coral ecosystems but also boosted Aqaba’s dive tourism sector, attracting over 10,000 new dives since 2017. ASEZA’s efforts, including the introduction of the Reef World Green Fins Programme, have promoted responsible diving practices and strengthened the local economy, making Aqaba a global model as it works towards Green Destination certification.
Acorn Tourism is proud to have worked with Aqaba and ASEZA for more than four years, helping to guide their commitment to sustainability. Their efforts stand as a worldwide example of how to harmonize environmental stewardship with economic development.
