Queen Rania Visits Jordan Applied University and Calls for Upgrading Its Facilities

(Jordan Times - Amman) Her Majesty Queen Rania called for expanding the Jordan Applied University (JAU) College of Hospitality and Tourism Education to meet the growing demand for workers in this key sector.

During a visit to JAU, previously known as the Ammon College, Queen Rania stressed the need to expand the institution and upgrade its facilities to increase the number of its graduates and boost their potential.

She urged JAU to benefit from foreign expertise in this field and further qualify its graduates to meet the requirements of the labour market, especially to assume academic posts.

During a meeting at the college with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Osama Dabbas, who is JAU chairman, JAU Dean Muhsen Makhamreh briefed the Queen on the institution’s goals and activities.

Queen Rania emphasised the importance of focusing on the practical side of the studies and emphasised the need to raise awareness on the importance of employment in this field and to transcend the culture of shame.

Discussions focused on challenges facing JAU’s work, including women shunning employment and education opportunities in the tourism sector.

During the meeting, Dabbas announced the JAU board of trustees’ decision to allocate five grants for girls in the Queen’s name to encourage them to join the institution.

Addressing students, Queen Rania encouraged them to highlight their Jordanian identity through the use of communication skills with visitors and to respect others’ traditions, while preserving their own to reflect the country’s true hospitable image.

JAU, dedicated to providing an education for careers in hospitality and tourism management, was granted accreditation in 2005.