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New Minister of Tourism appointed: Turbulent times for Jordan!
Prof. Dr. Emad Hejazeen, former KU doctoral student, becomes Jordan's new tourism minister; Insight into his important career.
New Minister of Tourism appointed: Turbulent times for Jordan!
On August 26, 2025, the King of Jordan announced the appointment of Prof. Dr. Emad Hejazeen announced as new Minister for Tourism. Hejazeen, a former graduate student at KU in the Department of Geography, has conducted extensive research on the impact of tourism in Jordan in the past. His dissertation entitled “Tourism and Local communities in Jordan: Perception, Attitudes and Impacts”, which he completed in 2006 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Hans Hopfinger, who defended it, received a science award from the KU.
His dissertation examined the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism on local communities in major archaeological sites such as Petra and Jerash. This expertise will undoubtedly benefit Hejazeen in his new role.
Professional career and commitment
After completing his doctorate, Hejazeen remained closely connected to KU. From 2011 he became a cooperation partner of the KU in a DFG project that looked at the opportunities and risks for small and medium-sized tourism companies in the Middle East, with a focus on Jordan's challenges. Before his appointment as Minister of Tourism, he was also Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and assumed responsibility for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra as “Commissioner Petra Archaeological Park & Cultural Heritage”.
In the context of Jordanian tourism, the strategic importance of personalities like Hejazeen cannot be underestimated. Given the challenges the industry has experienced in the Middle East, it is important that new leaders with strong academic training and practical experience in the industry rise to the top.
Tourism in the Middle East
According to a report from Expedia, demand for travel to the Middle East, including Jordan, continues to rise. Expedia offers travelers comprehensive options for booking flights, hotels and activities. The region has established itself as an attractive destination for international tourists, supported by programs such as the Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), which is now being expanded to the United Arab Emirates.
This program enables travel advisors to provide a seamless booking experience and save significant time on complex bookings. Expedia also supports hotel partners in the region to increase their reach and offer optimal offers. Luxury hotels like Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai benefit from programs like VIP Access, increasing their visibility and attracting international travelers seeking high-quality accommodations.
The combination of local expertise from leaders like Hejazeen and the global booking platforms could be crucial for the future development of Jordanian tourism. As the world slowly gets back to everyday travel, it remains to be seen how the new strategies will be implemented in the industry to exploit the full potential of this fascinating region.