Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazeen met Monday with senior evangelical leaders to explore ways to expand Christian pilgrimage to the dominion, as Jordan steps up preparations for major upcoming commemorations linked to key events in Christian history.
The meeting, held in Amman on Jan. 19, focused on cooperation with global evangelical bodies to advertise religious tourism, particularly ahead of the anticipated 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030. Jordan has in recent months accelerated preparations at key Christian sites, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a development previously reported by Christian Daily International.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Hijazeen received a delegation of leaders from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) to debate coordination and cooperation in promoting Christian pilgrimage to Jordan. The delegation included WEA Secretary General Rev. Botrus Mansour; Rev. Nabeeh Abbasi, ambassador of the World Baptist Alliance for the Middle East; and Rev. Jack Sara, president of Bethlehem Bible College.
According to the statement, discussions centered on “ways to boost Christian pilgrimage to the Kingdom, particularly in light of the third millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030.” Hijazeen emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting religious tourism as a part of a broader technique to develop Jordan’s tourism sector.
Mansour welcomed the chance for collaboration, telling Christian Daily International that the meeting was “wealthy in ideas and warm in feelings,” opening the door to future cooperation, including the opportunity of large evangelical delegations visiting Jordan, in addition to projects and investments related to Christian tourism.
The WEA secretary general, who resides in Nazareth, Israel, said he visits Jordan incessantly and is desirous to strengthen ties between the worldwide evangelical community and the Hashemite Kingdom, particularly in tourism. “I’m Palestinian from Nazareth, and for me, Amman is like Ramallah but on a bigger scale,” he said.
Abbasi, head of the Baptist Convention in Jordan and an honorary ambassador of the World Baptist Alliance for the Middle East, told Christian Daily International he was encouraged by the openness shown in the course of the meeting. He said Jordan’s significance in Christian history, combined with ministerial-level commitment, offers strong potential for collaboration ahead of the 2030 commemoration.
“We discussed concrete opportunities for joint projects, conferences and arranged pilgrimages,” Abbasi said, adding that such initiatives could contribute not only to faith-based tourism but in addition to cultural exchange and sustainable development.
Sara, who also serves as secretary general of the Middle East and North Africa regional chapter of the WEA, told Christian Daily International that the meeting reflected a real openness to further cooperation.
“I used to be impressed with the reception we received, and I stay up for cooperation in various areas with Jordan to enhance awareness of evangelicals,” he said.
