Lenten Campaign 2025
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The Baptism Site has been awarded Best UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 2025 GIST Acta Awards for Archaeological and Cultural Tourism, as reported by The Jordan Times.
According to a statement from the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), this prestigious recognition honors heritage sites that excel in preserving history, improving visitor access, and promoting sustainable tourism. The award was presented in late February during a ceremony in Florence, Italy, as part of an international exhibition dedicated to archaeological and cultural tourism.
A boost for Jordan’s religious tourism
As The Jordan Times reports, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, emphasized the significance of this recognition for the country. She described the Baptism Site as a place of profound historical and spiritual value, highlighting its role in fostering peace, coexistence, and cultural diversity on a global scale.
“This award reinforces Jordan’s mission to safeguard and share its religious and cultural heritage. It’s also an open invitation for pilgrims and cultural tourists to visit the Kingdom and connect with this sacred part of the Holy Land,” Annab stated.
Preserving a sacred landmark
The JTB’s Director General, Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, also stressed the importance of the site as a key Christian pilgrimage destination. The Jordan Times explains how he reiterated the JTB’s commitment to protecting and promoting the Baptism Site, ensuring its historical and spiritual significance remains intact for future generations.
Located on the eastern banks of the Jordan River, in the biblical Bethany-Beyond-the-River, the Baptism Site has always been traditionally recognized as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. It has long been a major destination for both pilgrims and cultural tourists, drawing visitors from around the world.
This achievement solidifies Jordan’s status as a leading center for religious and cultural tourism, demonstrating the country’s success in balancing heritage conservation with modern tourism development. The award not only recognizes the site’s past but also strengthens its future as a place of spiritual and historical importance.
And today we celebrate...