Jordan to Invest $100M in Theophany Pilgrimage Project

Artistic depiction of the proposed pilgrimage village in Jordan. Photo: MK Associates

AMMAN — Jordan is accelerating preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism at Bethany Beyond the Jordan — the UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be where St. John the Forerunner baptized Christ and launched His public ministry. The kingdom plans to unveil a full program for the 2030 commemoration, the first in a series of major Christian millennial events leading up to 2033.

As reported by Christian Daily International, Tourism Minister Emad Hijazin said Jordan is working with the Baptism Site Commission and the Royal Court to finalize events and outreach efforts. He noted plans for close coordination with global Christian leaders, including newly appointed World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General Botrus Mansour of Nazareth.

Sen. Michael Nazzal, who chairs the Senate’s Tourism and Heritage Committee, said the kingdom aims to present the millennial celebration as a moment of global Christian unity under the leadership of King Abdullah II, emphasizing strengthened infrastructure and expanded pilgrimage services.

Local tourism officials say the jubilee year could help revive Jordan’s tourism industry after years of pandemic-related shutdowns and regional conflict. Operators such as Nebo Tours report that the sector is only now beginning to recover as a Gaza ceasefire holds.

Tourism contributes more than 11% of Jordan’s GDP, and officials hope the millennial events will boost religious tourism. Jordan is raising $100 million to build an authentic first-century Palestinian-style village near the Baptism Site to enrich pilgrim experiences.

The Baptism Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, has long attracted pilgrims from across Christian traditions and is linked to John 1:28, referring to the place “beyond the Jordan.” More than 100 biblical sites lie within Jordan’s borders.

As the kingdom prepares to welcome Christians marking this historic milestone, officials say their goal is not only to host millions of pilgrims but to reaffirm Jordan’s longstanding role as guardian of sacred Christian heritage and a home of religious coexistence.

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