It’s not even summer yet, and Aqaba’s shores have already been jam-packed with tourists.

Just this month, 14 cruise ships carrying thousands of enthusiastic tourists from Europe have docked in the port city, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority said on Tuesday.

Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum are a gold mine for Jordan, tourism-wise.

In November 2017, 60,000 tourists - onboard 20 cruise ships - were planned to visit Aqaba during the winter season, which extends to April 2018.

At the time, Sharhabeel Madi, the Development Commissioner for Aqaba, said in an interview with Al Ghad: “Aqaba will put on a programme of activities for its visitors, encouraging them to stay in the region.”

“Today Aqaba is the ideal model for the tourism and investment environment, because of its laws and legislation that guarantee the rights of investors, tourists and visitors,” Madi added.

Why is this city so popular? Besides its beautiful sandy beaches, visitors can go diving and have their breath taken away by the gorgeous coral reefs; golf-enthusiasts can enjoy playing their favourite sport at the Ayla Golf Club, in addition to exploring the city and enjoying a variety of watersports.