Storyline: Jordan's tourism sector is showing early signs of recovery following the first-phase Gaza ceasefire in October, with bookings surging at key destinations such as Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea after two years of conflict-induced decline. As the peak season approaches from late December to early January, the country is hoping to reverse the severe downturn caused by two years of regional conflict. Known as the Valley of the Moon for its Mars-like red desert landscape, Wadi Rum was once a magnet for international filmmakers and travelers. But as regional tensions escalated, the flow of visitors dried up, and local tourism operators faced their harshest winter yet. Ziad Al-Rawadiya, who runs two desert camps in Wadi Rum, said the Gaza crisis plunged Jordan’s tourism industry into an unprecedented slump. Due to the sharp decline in international tourists, numerous campsites have been forced to suspend operations or close down, with many small family-run campsites finding it particularly difficult to stay afloat, he added. Since the October ceasefire in Gaza, easing regional tensions have sparked a rebound in international arrivals, with bookings climbing steadily at Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea. Now, with regional calm returning, Ziad has renovated his campsites in anticipation of renewed demand. "Following the stabilization of the surrounding situation and regional calm, current operations and camp reservations have recovered to levels approaching those prior to the Gaza crisis. The recovery of the market fills us with hope for the future," said Ziad. To further stimulate the recovery of the tourism industry, Jordan has also introduced a series of measures including increasing flight routes and frequencies between Amman and destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Additionally, a new round of tourism promotion campaigns has been launched in Europe, the Gulf countries, and Asia. "Our country is well worth a visit. Despite occasional regional tensions, Jordan has always been a very safe country. This should be known by people. We hope the situation continues to improve in the future, and more tourists will visit our country," said Ziad. Shotlist: Aqaba, Jordan - Nov 23, 2025: 1. Various of campsite 2. Ziad Al-Rawadiya, campsite operator, writing on account book 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ziad Al-Rawadiya, campsite operator (ending with shot 4): "Following the stabilization of the surrounding situation and regional calm, current operations and camp reservations have recovered to levels approaching those prior to the Gaza crisis. The recovery of the market fills us with hope for the future." 4. Sign of "RUM" 5. Various of desert 6. Campsite 7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ziad Al-Rawadiya, campsite operator: "Our country is well worth a visit. Despite occasional regional tensions, Jordan has always been a very safe country. This should be known by people. We hope the situation continues to improve in the future, and more tourists will visit our country." 8. Desert, campsite [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]