Glass-bottom Boats Tourism Data Collection in Aqaba - final report

The MED4EBM Project introduces an innovative approach to Integrated Coastal Zone Management across four target areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Italy. In Jordan, the project identified fisheries and sustainable coastal tourism as priority management issues. This research deliverable focuses on the glass-bottom boat tourism sector in Aqaba, Jordan—a significant contributor to the region's tourism industry and livelihoods of around 200 families. Aqaba Touristic Boats Society, established in June 1994, actively engaged in field data collection for the first time, appointing a specialist and three assistants to gather insights on this traditional and culturally valuable craft. The dataset includes key metrics such as gasoline usage, travel distance, revenue, and visitor demographics, offering valuable insights into the operational aspects and popularity of glass-bottom boat tours in Aqaba. This analysis serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the dynamics of this eco-friendly tourism activity, its economic impact, and the need for sustainable management practices to preserve Aqaba's rich marine heritage and support its vibrant tourism sector.