The Jordan Hotels Association, represented by its Deputy Chairman Mr. Hussein Hilalat, participated in the First Forum of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at Yarmouk University, held under the theme “Tourism and Hospitality Education: Between Theory and Practice.” The event was attended by a number of academics, professionals, and students interested in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The Association’s participation took place through a working session that discussed the current state of the tourism and hospitality sector in Jordan. During the session Mr. Hussein Hilalat highlighted the key challenges facing the industry, stressing the urgent need for qualified and well-trained human resources that align with the ever-evolving demands of the labor market.

Mr. Hussein Hilalat also outlined the advantages of working in the tourism and hospitality sector, including a diverse work environment, opportunities for career advancement, and exposure to international markets and institutions. He emphasized that this sector is among the most capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for Jordanian youth.

He commended the role of Jordanian universities—particularly Yarmouk University—in preparing students both theoretically and practically, and called for greater collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector to bridge the gap between education and labor market needs.

The session was marked by strong engagement from students with Mr. Hussein Hilalat, taking the time to engage in direct dialogue and respond to their questions about career prospects and real-world challenges in the sector.

This participation reflects the Jordan Hotels Association’s commitment to supporting educational efforts and enhancing communication with academic institutions, with the goal of advancing the quality of tourism and hospitality education in the Kingdom.