(JAU) was awarded Tourism Education Quality (TedQual)

Jordan Applied University College of Hospitality and Tourism Education (JAU) was awarded Tourism Education Quality (TedQual) Certification by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), making it the first institution in the Middle East to achieve the TedQual award for the Bachelor’s degree in hotel management. An award ceremony was held today under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at JAU, Mr. Nayef H. Al Fayez.

TedQual Certification recognizes high quality education in tourism and hospitality that is competitive at an international level. USAID supported JAU’s efforts to obtain certification through grants and technical support, which enabled upgraded facilities, improved educational standards, and in-depth research into the industry.

“Our program was awarded TedQual Certification for two years rather than just one,” said Mr. Michael Nazzal, Deputy Chairman of JAU Board of Directors and President of Jordan Hotel Association. “This demonstrates JAU’s excellence in hospitality education and promotes us to an international level of recognition.”

“Students here are receiving the best possible instruction and the most promising prospects for the job market,” said Stephanie Wilcock, Deputy Director of USAID Jordan’s economic development and energy team. “JAU graduates will be seen as the best in the industry—given time, they will become the leaders the sector needs.”

The TedQual initiative is one of the many ways USAID’s Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism Project aims to meet the need for 25,000 new skilled workers in tourism over the next five years. The project also works to preserve historical sites, market Jordan as a world-class tourist destination, and upgrade existing tourist attractions