"The Baptism Site" Wins the Global GISTA ACTA Award for Archaeological Tourism

The Jordan Tourism Board announced that the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas) has won the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site award at the GISTA ACTA Global Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Awards 2025.اضافة اعلان

According to a statement issued by the board on Sunday, this prestigious award honors prominent cultural heritage sites that excel in heritage preservation, facilitate tourist access to the sites, and develop sustainable tourism concepts.

The award was presented during a special ceremony held on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Florence, Italy, at the Sala Verde in Villa Vittoria Piazza, as part of the TourismA International Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Exhibition.

On this occasion, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, emphasized that Jordan is a major global destination for religious tourism, embodying the principles of peace, coexistence, and cultural diversity. She pointed out that the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas) holds significant religious and historical importance worldwide.

She said, "This award contributes to enhancing and supporting Jordan’s role in preserving its religious and cultural heritage and promoting it. Through this achievement, we invite pilgrims and culture enthusiasts to visit the kingdom and discover this important part of the Holy Lands."

For his part, the Director-General of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, stated that this award highlights the continuous efforts made by Jordan to solidify its religious tourism sector. He noted that the Baptism Site is a key destination in the Christian pilgrimage journey and attracts tourists from all around the world.

He added that the Jordan Tourism Board is committed to preserving and promoting the Baptism Site to ensure the continuity of its historical and spiritual legacy for future generations.

The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas), located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. It has successfully attracted pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, enhancing the kingdom's status as a leading destination for religious and cultural tourism.

This award is a testament to Jordan's success in preserving its heritage, further reinforcing its position as a global hub for archaeological and cultural tourism.