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Amman, Jordan – February 2025 – The Jordan Tourism Board announced that the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas) has won the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site Award at the 2025 GIST ACTA Awards for Archaeological and Cultural Tourism.

The prestigious award recognises outstanding cultural heritage sites that excel in preservation, accessibility, and sustainable tourism development.

The award was presented during a special ceremony on Friday, 21 February, at Sala Verde, Villa Vittoria Piazza in Florence, Italy, as part of the TourismA International Exhibition of Archaeological and Cultural Tourism.

On this occasion, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab highlighted Jordan’s status as a leading global destination for religious tourism, embodying the principles of peace, coexistence, and cultural diversity. She emphasised that the Baptism Site holds immense religious and historical significance worldwide.

Annab added that the award reinforces Jordan’s role in preserving and promoting its religious and cultural heritage, inviting pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts to visit the Kingdom and explore this sacred site.

Dr Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, stressed that the award underscores Jordan’s commitment to enhancing religious tourism, describing Al-Maghtas as a key destination for Christian pilgrimage and global tourism. He reaffirmed the Tourism Board’s dedication to preserving and promoting the site for future generations.

Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims and visitors worldwide and cementing Jordan’s position as a premier destination for religious and cultural tourism.

The award serves as a testament to Jordan’s success in heritage conservation and its global standing in archaeological and cultural tourism.