Peace, mercy, and blessings of God,

I am pleased to welcome you all to the Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism and Heritage at the Hashemite University.

It is well known that tourism plays a vital role as an important sector in the Jordanian economy by contributing to national income, bringing in foreign currency, improving the balance of payments, creating job opportunities, and reducing unemployment. Additionally, it builds bridges of cultural and human communication among societies.

Jordan is like an open-air museum. The archaeological, historical, cultural, religious, and natural sites scattered across the country make it an important destination for tourism and leisure. High-quality tourism services play an essential role in showcasing the hospitality, nobility, and authenticity of Jordanian society, as well as its rich cultural heritage—key foundations for a thriving tourism industry in the long term.

This underscores the need to raise community awareness of the importance of tourism development, as well as to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of this sector. It is also crucial to prepare individuals to become a part of the distinctive tourism workforce in the future. Universities, as primary stakeholders in societal development, play a central role in fostering this education. Heritage, as part of our national identity and a source of pride, makes its sustainable