Sharjah24 – Reuters: Hot air balloons of different shapes and colours roamed the sky above Jordan's famous Wadi Rum site during the kingdom's first hot-air balloon festival launched on October 1.
Easy to spot in the blue sky and high above the desert, the hot air balloons attracted many who gathered on the festival's site to follow the slow drifting of the aircrafts.
The festival aims to boost the country's tourism sector following the harsh blow of the coronavirus pandemic.
"The aim of the festival is to find a touristic product that can be promoted both internally and abroad," said Ahmad Abu Rijaa, one of the festival's founders.
Tourists can stay in surrounding camps, offering them a full outdoor experience amid the site's rocky hills.
Jordan's economy suffered its worst contraction in decades last year, as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll on the country's tourism sector.
Officials have previously announced special measures for Jordan's 'golden triangle', which includes famous sites such as the ancient city of Petra, Wadi Rum and crusader castles, closing the area off to all but the fully vaccinated.
The festival runs until October 5.
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