USAID -ACED Program Launches Aqaba Hotel Association

Under the patronage of Eng. Mohammad Saqer the Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Aqaba Hotel Association (AHA) was officially launched with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Aqaba Community and Economic Development (ACED) Program.

The USAID ACED Program is working with Aqaba hotels to create an official umbrella organization to provide support and overcome obstacles for the 1-4 star hotels in the area.  These efforts have led to the establishment of the Aqaba Hotels Association (AHA), which aims to promote the sector and be a benefit to tourism in Aqaba.

The Association founders received technical assistance from the USAID project which provided them with consultants who prepared the Association business plan and helped it to apply for official registration at the Ministry of Social Development.  In April 2010, the AHA was registered officially under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities.  The Association now has twelve members and is looking to expand to 27 members by the end of 2010.  In mid-May 2010, the Association had its first General Assembly meeting and seven members were elected to the board of directors. 

Eng. Samer Tarawneh, Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID ACED Program said: "USAID will continue to support the Aqaba Hotel Association.  A USAID grant to AHA will cover its operational expenses for the coming two years, including four permanent staff and provide value-added services for members, such as quality labels and hygiene systems.  By the end of the grant, the Association will become financially and operationally sustainable, provide more value-added services for its members, and support the development of hotels in Aqaba."