King, Crown Prince visit tourist, archaeological sites in Maan; tour old souk

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, on Wednesday visited tourist and archaeological sites in Maan Governorate.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein visited Maan Castle, which was built between the years 1520 and 1566, and was turned last year into a heritage museum, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King directed the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to step up efforts to enhance tourist activities in Maan, to overcome the impact of the COVID pandemic on the tourism sector.

In addition, His Majesty and the Crown Prince visited the Maan Handicraft Training Centre and heritage exhibition, affiliated with the Maan Tourism Directorate and established as a Royal initiative to enhance the governorate’s tourism product.

The training centre equips those who are unemployed with handicraft skills to enable them to join the tourism and heritage industry.

The King and the Crown Prince toured Maan’s old souk, which was established in the early 19th century and is one of the governorate’s major attractions.

His Majesty and His Royal Highness stopped at a shop and spoke to its owner, one of the oldest in the souk.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Tourism Minister Nayef Al Fayez accompanied His Majesty on the visit.