The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas) has been honored with the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site award at the 2025 GIST ACTA Awards for Archaeological and Cultural Tourism, as announced by the Jordan Tourism Board.
This prestigious accolade recognizes cultural heritage sites that excel in preserving history, enhancing visitor accessibility, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The award ceremony took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Sala Verde, Villa Vittoria Piazza in Florence, Italy, during the TourismA International Exhibition of Archaeological and Cultural Tourism.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, highlighted that this recognition reinforces Jordan’s reputation as a leading destination for religious tourism, embodying principles of peace, coexistence, and cultural diversity. She emphasized the site’s profound religious and historical significance globally.
Annab stated, “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.”
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, noted that the award underscores Jordan’s commitment to bolstering religious tourism. He described Al-Maghtas as a key destination for Christian pilgrimage and international tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.
Arabiyat reiterated the Board’s dedication to preserving and promoting the Baptism Site to ensure its historical and spiritual legacy endures for future generations.
Situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, the Baptism Site is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws pilgrims and tourists globally, solidifying Jordan’s status as a hub for religious and cultural tourism.
This achievement highlights Jordan’s success in safeguarding its heritage while positioning the country as a global leader in archaeological and cultural tourism.
Visitors to Al-Maghtas can explore a site of immense spiritual significance, believed to be the location where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. The area features ancient churches, baptismal pools, and other archaeological remains that offer a profound connection to the early days of Christianity.
The GIST ACTA Awards are renowned for honoring excellence in archaeological and cultural tourism, and Al-Maghtas’s recognition as the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2025 underscores its exceptional value to global heritage and tourism.
