The Scientific Day of School of Archaeology and Tourism: "Future Prospects and Visions for Archaeology and Tourism in Jordan"
As part of its efforts to enhance scientific research and support the archaeology and tourism sectors in Jordan, School of Archaeology and Tourism at the University of Jordan organized its scientific day under the title: "Future Prospects and Visions for Archaeology and Tourism in Jordan" on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The event was held under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ahmad Majdouba, Vice President for Humanities Affairs, with the presence of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Nizar Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan.
The goal of the scientific day was to review the status of the archaeology and tourism sectors in Jordan after the COVID-19 pandemic. The event focused on identifying the strengths and advantages of these sectors and ways to enhance them, as well as addressing the weaknesses they face and how to mitigate them. Additionally, future prospects for these sectors were discussed on a local, regional, and global scale. The event also aimed to highlight the achievements of the School of Archaeology and Tourism in keeping up with scientific developments and serving the community in alignment with the university’s vision and mission.
The event began with the recitation of verses from the Qur'an by student Abdullah Muhaysin from the School of Sharia. This was followed by a speech from the Dean of the School of Archaeology and Tourism, Professor Dr. Mahmoud Arinat, who emphasized that the scientific day was a continuation of the university’s and School’s policy of organizing scientific events. He highlighted the School's role in advancing research on contemporary national, regional, and global issues and offering developmental visions to overcome obstacles, present solutions, and provide practical research outcomes.
Dr. Imad Hijazin, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, spoke about the National Tourism Strategy for the years 2021-2025. This strategy aims to help the tourism sector recover from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy includes four key phases: response, recovery, reopening, and reforms, focusing on five main pillars: product development, human resources, marketing, heritage management and protection, and reforms. The goal is to increase tourist numbers and return tourism revenues to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, as well as increase direct employment in the tourism sector.
The first session of the scientific day featured two presentations. The first was by Her Highness Sharifa Noufa Bint Nasser, President of the Jordanian Friends of Archaeology and Heritage Society, who discussed the society’s activities and achievements in protecting Jordan's archaeological and heritage assets and raising public awareness about their importance. The second presentation was by Mrs. Rana Al-Twalba from the Shola Society for Tourism and Heritage Revitalization, who focused on community initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and preserving heritage, as well as the challenges and difficulties women faced in the tourism sector post-COVID-19.
The second session focused on the achievements of the School of Archaeology and Tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Prof. Dr. Maysoon Al-Nahar from the Department of Archaeology presented one of the archaeological projects carried out during the pandemic, focusing on the excavation work at the Ain Ghazal archaeological site in 2020. Prof. Dr. Nabiel Ali, also from the Department of Archaeology, discussed the excavation project at Tell As-Sukhna in the Zarqa Governorate, which uncovered significant Bronze Age city features, including city walls, gates, and towers.
The third presentation was by Prof. Dr. Adnan Al-Shiyab, who discussed the excavation project at the archaeological city of Jerash, highlighting the key findings of the project. Another presentation covered the documentation and restoration of the Early Islamic Bathhouse in Al-Muqeer, a project supervised by Prof. Dr. Oliver Pilz Bales and Dr. Ruba Seiseh, Head of the Department of Heritage Management and Preservation. This project, which took place between August 22 and October 2, 2021, was funded by the German Embassy in Jordan through the Cultural Heritage Preservation Program of the German Foreign Office.
The scientific day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Hussein Abu Asal, Head of the Department of Tourism Management, who discussed the practical training of students in tourism management: the reality and future aspirations. He addressed the challenges and obstacles faced by students in practical training courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to address them.
The event concluded with thanks to all the organizers, particularly the Dean of the School of Archaeology and Tourism, the Scientific Day Committee, participants, faculty members, and attendees.