Local university renews int’l tourism certification for next three years

AMMAN — The Ammon Applied University College (AAUC) on Tuesday renewed the Tourism Education Quality certificate (TedQual) for its bachelor degree in hotel management for the next three years, reinforcing its position as the first university in the Arab region to receive the international accolade. 

Granted by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the certification recognises institutions with high quality, competitive education in the tourism and hospitality sectors, providing universities with the chance to belong to a global network of 70 institutions across 36 countries. 

According to UNWTO, the TedQual Certification System seeks to facilitate the continual improvement of tourism education, training and research programmes through the definition of a set of minimum standards of quality for tourism education.

At the certification granting ceremony, Tourism Minister Lina Annab said in a speech read on her behalf that “tourism significantly contributes to Jordan’s economy, and its sustainability depends on early preparation of potential employees and dedicated efforts and commitment to education excellence”, expressing “delight” in witnessing the journey undertaken by the AAUC throughout the TedQual process. 

“I am relieved to know that tourism sustainability is possible with such a recognised university college that is small in size with limited resources, but great in achievements and accomplishments,” the minister continued, stressing that “with this certificate, AAUC is not only distinguished in Jordan, but also ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa”.

Director of USAID’s office of economic development and energy Russell Bauer pointed out that “tourism is a leading contributor to Jordan’s economic growth,” congratulating AAUC for “providing students with an education that opens career opportunities in a growing field while strengthening Jordan’s global competitiveness”.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of plaques to AAUC partners, and the grant of an award to AAUC Dean Muhsen Makhamreh by former UNWTO General Secretary Taleb Rifai.

Makhamreh thanked USAID for “supporting AAUC both professionally and economically, helping us to keep the level of success and continue to strive to maintain our partnerships with UNWTO and the universities across the world”.