Jerash, Sept 7 (Petra) – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin said Sunday that a committee will be formed to review plans and projects in Jerash that directly impact the development of the tourism sector.
Speaking at a meeting at the governor’s office, Hijazin stressed the ministry’s special attention to tourism in the governorate, underscoring the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to resolve challenges in linking the modern city with the ancient city of Jerash.
He highlighted plans to develop the tourism product through a tourist trail connecting both cities and rehabilitating the Hashemite Square in the urban center. He added that the local community had been a key partner in designing the tourism development plan and would also play a central role in its implementation.
Hijazin emphasized the need to improve the visitor experience from arrival onwards, including the handicrafts market, routes inside the archaeological site, and services for people with disabilities.
He said priority in training and marketing would be given to Jerash residents, noting the ministry’s ambition to attract "cultural tourists" interested in the city’s history and heritage and to position Jerash as a global tourism destination.
Governor Malek Khreisat pointed to the launch of the "Jerash is Unique with Its People Well" initiative to strengthen collective work between government institutions and the local community.
The initiative aims to respond directly to citizens’ needs, improve public services, and foster development across sectors through specialized field teams operating under a clear plan, with a one-week timeframe to address any issue reported, Khreisat explained Mohammad Bani Yassin, head of the Jerash Greater Municipality Committee, reviewed key municipal projects, including a JD1.8 million Italian-funded project linking the modern and ancient cities, and plans to illuminate the archaeological site in coordination with the tourism ministry to showcase the city’s cultural and historical identity.
Other municipal studies covered the redevelopment of the Hashemite Square, the old market, Wadi al-Thahab, traffic management in the city center, and organizing street vendors, alongside raising the skills of locals working in tourism-related professions.
Municipality development unit head Wafa Hawamdeh outlined plans to connect the ancient and modern cities and enhance tourism revenues, while young entrepreneur Hazem Al-Ayasrah presented a project to light up the city at night to attract more visitors and extend their stays, boosting the local economy.
Following the meeting, the minister, accompanied by the governor, municipal officials, and Director-General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abu Danna, toured several tourist sites in the governorate.
//Petra// AF
