Irbid: Activities of the 8th Jordanian International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality 2024 kicked off under the theme: "Green Tourism and Investment" at Yarmouk University (YU) Wednesday. Speaking at the opening ceremony, YU President, Dr. Islam Massad, said tourism sector is the "main" driver of the national economy, as Jordan is "rich" in various "attractive" tourism fields and paths, whether therapeutic, archaeological, recreational, or educational tourism. Massad also stressed the importance of the two-day conference's agenda, which focuses on promoting sustainable development and investment stimulation, especially since green investment boosts concepts of sustainability and preserves resources in the long-term levels. Massad added that the event affirms the role of academic institutions in activating green sustainability and investment, which have become a "solid" requirement for businesses, which seek to compete regionally and globally. Massad also called for continuing action and increasing co mpetitiveness, which is the "biggest" challenge facing the world at various levels, adding that this situation requires keenness to maintain continuous education and efforts to keep up with the "latest" developments and innovations in various sectors and fields. Meanwhile, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hotels and Chairman of the Conference, Dr. Akram Rawashdeh, said green tourism and investment are "important" areas to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation, which thus enhances economic and social development and protect natural resources and local culture. Source: Jordan News Agency