Petra Authority, Vatican Envoy Discuss Promoting Petra As Christian Pilgrimage Site

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Petra, July 3 (Petra) -- Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Fares Braizat, met Thursday with the Vatican Ambassador to Jordan, Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, to explore avenues for cooperation in advancing religious tourism and positioning Petra as a Christian pilgrimage destination.
Braizat stated that the initiative aims to reinforce Jordan's standing on the global religious tourism map by promoting Petra's significance within Christian heritage itineraries.
The discussions take place as Rome prepares to welcome an estimated 30 to 35 million Christian pilgrims for the Jubilee Year 2025, a major ecclesiastical event held every 25 years that draws millions to the Vatican and other sacred sites in Italy.
Both sides emphasized the strategic opportunity to leverage this global religious momentum by integrating Petra a UNESCO World Heritage Site into pilgrimage routes catering to Christian travelers from diverse international markets.
Archbishop Dal Toso expressed keen interest in collaborating with Jordanian stakeholders, commending the Kingdom's stability and its wealth of historical and religious landmarks, including sites closely linked to Christian traditions.
The parties agreed to maintain close coordination and explore joint promotional strategies through diplomatic missions and church networks to promote Petra as a spiritual destination. This initiative is expected to bolster Jordan's role as a regional hub for religious and faith-based tourism.
As part of its extensive marketing strategy targeting European audiences, the PDTRA recently illuminated Rome's iconic Colosseum with Petra's signature colors to celebrate a twinning agreement signed with the Colosseum's administration. The event aimed to elevate Petra's global profile as a premier cultural and spiritual tourism site.
In addition, a series of promotional activities were organized at the Alhambra Palace in Spain, underscoring Jordan's profound cultural and historical ties with European nations and fostering enhanced cooperation in cultural and religious tourism sectors.
Jordan hosts several religious sites officially recognized by the Vatican, including the Baptism Site visited by both Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II, further enhancing the Kingdom's influence in the global Christian tourism landscape.

MENAFN03072025000117011021ID1109756294