Yarmouk University Hosts First Tourism Forum: "Tourism and Hospitality Education between Theory and Practice"
Under the patronage of Dr. Islam Massad, President of Yarmouk University, the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels held its first forum titled “Tourism and Hospitality Education Between Theory and Practice” at the university’s conference and seminar hall.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Massad highlighted that tourism education is now a key pillar of economic development due to its critical role in supplying the sector with qualified and well-trained professionals capable of delivering high-quality tourism services. He emphasized the importance of the forum as a platform that brings together executive and legislative authorities, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of tourism education.
Dr. Massad stressed that tourism is no longer merely a leisure activity, but a discipline built on theory and scientific research, which contributes to the advancement of the tourism industry. He also noted Yarmouk University’s active role through its Faculty of Tourism and Hotels in developing tourism education and supplying local, regional, and international markets with skilled graduates.
Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Akram Rawashdeh, explained that the forum was designed to showcase the faculty’s achievements and future plans to tourism policymakers, while engaging them in discussions about how to further develop tourism education from legislative, executive, and business perspectives. He stated that participants included decision-makers and professionals from five-star hotels, airlines, restaurants, and travel agencies, with the goal of aligning education and training with labor market needs and enhancing student employability.
Dr. Rawashdeh also reviewed key accomplishments of the faculty, including receiving international accreditation in tourism education for three consecutive cycles and ranking in the (101–150) band globally in the 2024 QS Subject Rankings. He announced the launch of two new diploma programs—one in culinary arts and the other in tourism and travel agency operations—under the university's new technical college.
The forum’s first day included two panel sessions. The first session, moderated by Dr. Rawashdeh, featured notable speakers: Senator Michel Nazzal, Chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism and Heritage; MP Wasfi Haddad, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Services, Tourism and Antiquities; Dr. Fadi Balawi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities; and Wael Al-Rousan, Deputy Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board.
The second session, moderated by Dr. Hakam Shatnawi, included speakers such as Hussein Hilalat, Vice President of the Jordan Hotels Association; Hashem Al-Shakhatreh, representing the Jordan Tour Guides Association; and Haitham Omar, Director of Tourism at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.
Discussions during the sessions focused on key needs in the tourism and travel sector, including the demand for skilled labor, boosting tourist numbers, rehabilitating various types of tourism sites (religious, medical, etc.), and the necessity of revising regulations and legislation to enhance the sector’s role in supporting the national economy.
The sessions also addressed the roles of the Senate and House tourism committees in promoting the industry and supporting tourism education at Jordanian universities. Challenges facing the sector were identified, along with proposals for practical solutions through collaboration between legislative bodies, government agencies, academia, and the private sector.
Additionally, the forum shed light on the contributions of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents, and the Jordan Tour Guides Association. The Tourism Board focuses on promoting tourism, enhancing site development, and training workforce. The Society of Travel Agents provides reliable data and statistics to aid sector development, while the Tour Guides Association works to elevate professional standards and promote awareness among its members, safeguarding the national tourism interest and professional reputation.
The forum will continue for a second day at Yarmouk University’s conference and seminar venue.
