Ajloun, Sept. 10 (Petra) -- Tourism specialists and stakeholders in Ajloun Governorate said tourist guiding is a key pillar in introducing visitors to the area's rich natural and historical attractions.

They told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that young people's growing interest in working as tourist guides contributes to stimulating tourism activity, promoting tourist sites and enriching visitors' experiences.

Director of the Ajloun Tourism Directorate Firas Al-Khattabeh said tourist guiding is one of the main pillars for developing the tourism sector in the governorate, given its role in introducing natural, archaeological, and heritage sites and providing documented information that enhances visitors' experiences and highlights Ajloun's tourism identity.

He said Ajloun Governorate boasts diverse tourism assets, underscoring the need for qualified tourist guides capable of conveying an accurate picture of the governorate's history and cultural heritage.

Al-Khattabeh stressed the importance of supporting young people seeking to work in the field through training and qualification programs, which would positively contribute to stimulating tourism activity and the local economy.

Tourist guide Issa Al-Shara said the profession goes beyond accompanying visitors, involving the provision of accurate information about tourist, archaeological, and historical sites that helps visitors understand the value of each location and enriches their experience.

He said tourist guides need extensive knowledge of the region's history and natural environment, as well as strong communication skills and proficiency in foreign languages, enabling them to engage with different visitors and present a picture that reflects Ajloun's diverse tourism, environmental, and cultural attractions.

Marwa Al-Samadi, a member of the Nasmat Shawq Tourism Association, said the association organises tourism routes and activities that help introduce visitors to Ajloun's natural and heritage sites, while also raising awareness of the importance of tourist guiding and its role in providing visitors with a comprehensive experience.

She said the association is keen to encourage young people to participate in tourism activities and develop their skills through programs and field events, helping prepare a generation capable of showcasing the governorate's tourism assets and supporting efforts to stimulate the sector.

Tourism promotion activist Abdulrahman Mohammad said digital content has become one of the leading tools for showcasing Ajloun Governorate's tourism assets, noting that content published on social media platforms helps attract visitors and encourages them to explore the governorate's natural and archaeological sites.

He said successful tourism promotion requires complementary roles among tourist guides, content creators, and youth initiatives to ensure a comprehensive portrayal of Ajloun and strengthen its presence as a year-round tourist destination.

Photographer Hayat Farihat said photography is one of the most important means of promoting tourist sites, helping showcase the beauty of Ajloun's natural landscapes and archaeological landmarks and encouraging visitors to explore them.

She said professionally documenting tourist sites reflects the identity of a place and highlights its details, stressing that the complementary roles of photographers and tourist guides help provide visitors with a comprehensive experience that combines the beauty of imagery with documented information, further strengthening tourism promotion in the governorate.

//Petra// AF