Jordan stands out as a significant destination for religious tourism in the Middle East, boasting a rich history that reflects the successive civilizations on its land. The country is home to numerous sacred sites and historical landmarks tied to Christian pilgrimage sites and Islamic historical monuments. اضافة اعلان
Religious tourism plays a pivotal role in fostering interfaith understanding, promoting values of tolerance, and positioning Jordan as a global religious destination, thus supporting the national economy by attracting visitors from around the world.
In line with the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' efforts to enhance religious and cultural tourism, and to bolster the kingdom's reputation as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage, the ministry, in collaboration with the Vatican, organized a press conference on Wednesday titled "Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity." According to Minister of Tourism Lina Annab, Jordan will collaborate with the Vatican to organize a heritage exhibition in Vatican City to highlight "Jordan's significance as the birthplace of Christianity."
During the press conference, Annab stated that over 90 carefully selected rare artifacts would be displayed to tell the story of Jordan’s intertwined heritage with Christian roots. These artifacts include delicate mosaics and ancient symbols, such as the fish symbol, which is one of the most important and rare relics in Christian history. The exhibition will showcase discoveries that trace the development of Christianity in Jordan across different eras.
Key Attractions in Religious Tourism
Annab further highlighted that the exhibition will take visitors on a journey through time, exploring sacred sites in Jordan that are essential stops for Christian pilgrims recognized by the Vatican. These include:
- Tell Mar Elias: The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah.
- Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Anjara: Commemorating the Virgin Mary.
- Mount Nebo: The burial site of Prophet Moses (near Madaba).
- Machaerus Fortress: The site where John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya) was martyred.
- Baptism Site of Jesus (Al-Maghtas): Where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Al-Maghtas is a holy site for Christians, attracting pilgrims from around the world, and features numerous churches from various Christian denominations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other significant religious landmarks in Jordan include:
- St. George’s Church in Madaba, famous for its 6th-century mosaic map depicting the Holy Land.
- The Cave of the Seven Sleepers, a shared Islamic-Christian heritage site, believed to be the resting place of the Seven Sleepers mentioned in both the Qur’an and the Bible, located near Amman.
Islamic Religious Tourism
On the Islamic side, Jordan offers a unique religious tourism experience. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, the Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, emphasized the distinction of Islamic and Christian religious tourism in Jordan. He noted that the "Umrah Plus" program attracts Muslims who come from distant countries after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. They visit Jordan to see the tombs of companions and prophets, as Jordan is home to the graves of many companions of the Prophet Muhammad, such as Abu Ubaidah, Muadh ibn Jabal, and Sharhabil ibn Hasna.
Some key Islamic pilgrimage sites include:
- The Tomb of Prophet Shuaib near Salt.
- The Tomb of Prophet Aaron in Petra.
- The Battlefields of Yarmouk and Mu’tah, where major Islamic battles took place.
Marketing and Tourism Plans
Arabiyat outlined marketing plans for 2025, aiming to attract both Arab and international tourists. This year, Jordan will host over 60 major tourism events, including activities tailored to the Arab market. He also highlighted that Amman is one of the few Arab capitals with a mild climate that allows for outdoor events year-round.
In terms of tourism statistics, Jordan saw a slight increase in the number of Arab tourists in 2024, with around 3.27 million visitors from Arab countries, a 0.7% increase from 2023. However, overall tourist numbers dropped by 3%, with 6.1 million visitors in 2024, compared to 6.3 million in 2023, mainly due to the impact of the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
