Amman – The National Association of Directors of Christian Pilgrimage in France (ANDDP) convened its 75th conference at the historic Jordan Valley Baptism Site, with a significant attendance of 157 members. This gathering marks a notable event in the realm of Christian pilgrimage and religious tourism.
According to Jordan News Agency, Makram Al Qaisi, the decision to host this four-day conference in Jordan is expected to bolster religious tourism and promote Christian pilgrimages to the country. Al Qaisi emphasized that choosing Jordan for this significant event highlights the country’s Christian religious significance and represents support from both the ANDDP and France. He expressed confidence that the conference would bolster the board’s strategy to market Jordan as a destination for Christian religious tourism.
Rustom Mkhjian, Director General of the Baptism Site Commission, indicated that the conference follows extensive efforts to promote Christian religious sites in Jordan, particularly the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. He noted ongoing collaborations since 2019 with various partners, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Tourism Promotion Board, the Catholic Media Center, and the Jordanian Embassy in France. These efforts aim to attract religious tourism from France through joint cooperation with the ANDDP.
In his lecture, Mkhjian highlighted key Christian religious sites in Jordan, focusing on the Baptism site of Jesus, which has been under Hashemite custodianship and care since its rediscovery in 1995. He underscored the site’s significance in conveying messages of inter-religious harmony and building bridges of love and peace for humanity.
Bishop Jean-Marie Le Vert of Bordeaux spoke about Jordan’s long-standing tradition of coexistence and tolerance among religions. He pointed out how this legacy has set Jordan apart in the Middle East and made it an exemplary destination for French pilgrims.