Tourism Ministry discusses 1st phase of Christian pilgrimage trail scheme

AMMAN — The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Saturday discussed the first phase of a project to develop, sustain and promote the Christian pilgrimage trail.

Ministry Secretary General Imad Hijazin, who chaired the meeting that brought together representatives of ministries, government institutions, municipalities, associations and stakeholders, stressed the importance of developing the tourism product, which starts from Mount Nebo to the Jordan Valley Baptism Site, according to a ministry statement.

He said the ministry, the Antiquities Department and the Tourism Promotion Authority will address any problems facing the project, which was launched last year, adding that the ministry is working on developing various types of tourism products on the trail, including adventure, cultural, medical and religious tourism, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Consultant on the executive plan Mohamad Asfour gave a presentation by the Product Development Directorate team, explaining global trends and the consistency of the ministry's plans with the national economic modernisation vision, through the introduction of new job-creating tourism products for the local community.

Assistant Secretary General for Tourism Affairs Ayman Abu Kharoub called the project an additional attraction with benefits to the local community, pointing to the kingdom's five Christian pilgrimage sites.