Ministry of Tourism Organizes Awareness Workshop at Zarqa University to Promote Heritage and Tourism Site Preservation

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community awareness and instill a culture of preservation for archaeological and tourism sites, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities organized an awareness workshop yesterday, Tuesday, at Zarqa University.

The event was held in partnership with "Nahno"—the National Platform for Volunteering and Youth Participation, a program of the Crown Prince Foundation supported by UNICEF—and in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth. The workshop aimed to elevate the level of shared responsibility toward protecting national heritage, ensuring its sustainability, and strengthening the local community's role within the tourism sector.

The workshop covered several key pillars related to the tourism industry, most notably:

• Economic Empowerment: The role of the Development and Employment Fund in empowering local communities through project establishment, entrepreneurship support for job seekers, and assisting existing tourism ventures to ensure their long-term viability.
• Archaeological Awareness: The importance of safeguarding Jordan's national identity by spreading archaeological culture and addressing threats or vandalism through awareness lectures, seminars, and the activation of deterrent laws and penalties.
• Tourism Security: Highlighting the local community's vital role in enhancing tourism security and maintaining sites to support a safe and sustainable tourism environment.

The workshop was organized by the Investment and Community Empowerment Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Key participants included the Zarqa Tourism Directorate, the Department of Antiquities, the Development and Employment Fund, the Community Police Department, the Jordan Restaurant Association (JRA), and the Tourism Police Department.

This initiative is part of a continuous series of awareness programs implemented by the Ministry across universities and local communities. These efforts aim to solidify the culture of heritage protection among the youth, empowering them to become active contributors to the tourism sector. Furthermore, these initiatives bridge the gap between education and industry by organizing field visits to historical sites and connecting students with specialized training and employment opportunities.