At the invitation of Head of the Tourism and Heritage Committee of the Senate Michel Nazzal, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal participated in a working meeting held on Monday, May 4, and attended by the heads of church councils in Jordan and Director of the Jordan Tourism Board Ramzi Mu'aytah, during which the discussions focused on ways to develop and promote the Christian pilgrimage route in the Kingdom in preparation for the year 2030.

During the meeting, Bishop Iyad Twal underlined the importance of holding concerted efforts and working within a clear vision based on developing services and infrastructure, particularly at the Baptism Site, in a way that enhances the spiritual and tourism experience for pilgrims and entrenches Jordan's stand on the global Christian pilgrimage route.

Senator Nazzal affirmed that Jordan possesses a unique religious and historical heritage that qualifies it to be a key destination on the global Christian pilgrimage map. He referred in particular to the profound spiritual and humanitarian significance of the Baptism Site, and  stressed the need to build upon what has already been achieved through integrated efforts that repositions Jordan as a leading religious and tourism destination at the global level.

He noted that the next period represents a historic opportunity to launch a comprehensive national project based on a genuine partnership among churches, official institutions, and the tourism sector, adding that the Senate supports this trend through the necessary frameworks in order to create an environment optimum for implementation.

For his part, Mr. Mu'aytah indicated that the Jordan Tourism Board strives to develop the religious tourism ecosystem through promotional programs and marketing plans targeting international markets, as well as offering well-studied incentives that contribute to increasing visitor numbers and improve the pilgrim's experience from the moment of arrival in the Kingdom.

The participants also stressed the need to establish a common coordination framework among relevant stakeholders, develop visitation routes and organizational mechanisms, as well as upgrade international promotion and tourism guide training in a manner that reflects Jordan's civilization image.