US embassy supports inclusive economic growth, tourism in Madaba

AMMAN — US Ambassador to Jordan Henry T. Wooster on Wednesday met with government officials, small business owners, and cultural preservation experts in Madaba.  

With members of the US embassy public affairs section and USAID, Wooster underscored the US government’s support for building economic stability through local communities and the tourism sector, according to a US embassy statement.  

“The connections between the Jordanian and American people run deep. Whether through cultural heritage preservation, tourism promotion, or business opportunities, these ties benefit both of our economies,” the ambassador said.

“Promoting the tourism industry in Madaba is an effective way to support small business owners and highlight Jordan’s rich cultural diversity, which will ultimately serve as a gateway for inclusive economic growth,” Wooster continued.  

He further noted: “The US government is committed to sustainable economic integration in Jordan, which greatly depends on promoting tourism as a tool for sustainability.”

Wooster met with Madaba Governor Nayef A. Hedayat to learn about his efforts encourage investment within and outside the tourism sector.  

Hedayat stressed the historical relations between the US and Jordan, praising the support of the US to Jordan to achieve economic stability, support democracy, the tourism sector, education, and community development, and activate the role of women and youth to participate in the overall development process led by His Majesty King Abdullah. 

Hedayat commended the role of the US Embassy in Amman and the support of USAID to various development sectors and heritage preservation. 

He also noted the importance of Madaba in religious tourism. Hedayat praised the ambassador for his visit to Madaba, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2022 and a model of Islamic-Christian harmony worldwide.

In additional meetings, Wooster discussed youth employment opportunities with Mayor Aref Al Rajaweeh and congratulated him on his recent election.  

He visited the Madaba Archaeological Park to discuss past USAID programnmes such as the Jordan Tourism Development Project and the Sustainable Cultural Heritage Through Engagement of Local Community Project, which focused on enhancing tourism sector capacity and achieving effective management and development of cultural heritage resources in Jordan.  

He also learned from Madaba Tourism Board members about their efforts to promote cultural heritage and religious sites, while also increasing economic opportunities and reducing unemployment among residents.  

Wooster highlighted ongoing US government support to stabilise, conserve, and inventory 14,000 artifacts at the Madaba Archaeological Museum, through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, which will display and protect Jordan’s priceless cultural heritage objects.

Wooster’s visit to Madaba follows prior discussions in Irbid, Zarqa, Karak, Maan and Aqaba to hear a broad range of perspectives from across Jordan on key issues of the US-Jordan partnership, including the US support for water and economic development, community-based initiatives and women and youth empowerment.