Amman, May 15 – A joint committee from the Jordanian Senate, composed of the "Tourism and Heritage Committee" and the "National Youth Dialogue Initiative," visited Ammon Applied University College. The visit was headed by Senator Michel Nazzal and attended by Senator Dr. Mahassen Jaghoub, Chair of the Youth Dialogue Committee, to review the college's programs and plans.
Nazzal emphasized the importance of the tourism sector as a cornerstone of the Jordanian economy, pointing out that Jordan is rich in archaeological, historical, and natural sites, making it a unique destination on the global tourism map.
He added that what distinguishes Jordan, in addition to its cultural and heritage wealth, is the blessing of security and stability under the wise Hashemite leadership, which has always been the foundation of the Kingdom’s stability and its reputation as a safe haven for tourists.
Nazzal noted that the employment rate among graduates in the hotel and tourism sector reaches 90%, as it is one of the most labor-demanding industries. He called for more focus on studying this field and supporting related specializations instead of oversaturated ones so that graduates may serve as ambassadors of their country and present Jordan in a positive and ideal light to visitors.
He also stressed the importance of having specialized institutions such as Ammon University College, which is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and recognized as a distinguished center in tourism and hotel education. He urged continued support for the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Nazzal affirmed that cooperation between the public and private sectors, along with the continued maintenance of national security, is key to enhancing Jordan’s position on the tourism map.
For her part, Senator Jaghoub highlighted the absolute importance of empowering youth. She noted the continuous support of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II for young people — not only through international forums and meetings but also by supporting legislation that strengthens youth participation in society across various sectors and prepares them for future jobs.
She stressed that empowering youth and equipping them with essential skills contributes to building a knowledge-based society capable of innovation and development. She also called for supporting initiatives that enhance youth participation in the economic sphere.
Dr. Emad Hajjareen, the Dean of the College, explained that the college grants diploma and bachelor's degrees in tourism and hotel management, working to prepare and qualify youth for work in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
He presented the college’s goals, academic and applied programs, and specialized training in hospitality and tourism education, aiming to equip graduates with the necessary skills and competencies to enter the labor market.
Hajjareen also pointed out that the college provides a specialized learning environment in hotel education, culinary arts, and event management, contributing through its graduates to meeting the needs of local and regional markets for skilled Jordanian labor in tourism and hospitality.
The senators emphasized the importance of technical education in supplying the labor market with competent and capable workers, affirming that the key pillar of the success of the tourism sector is the security and stability Jordan enjoys, along with its safe environment.
The visit included a field tour of the college’s facilities and labs, covering the educational and training sections in hotel management, tourism, and culinary arts. The senators viewed the available resources and the practical training provided to students in an environment simulating the requirements of the tourism labor market.
The senators also met with a group of students, listened to their views and questions about the future of tourism and hotel education, and engaged in an open dialogue where they addressed inquiries. They stressed the importance of engaging with youth and listening to their aspirations and feedback in efforts to develop the tourism sector and vocational education.