Amman: Jordan and Palestine have taken a significant step towards bolstering their religious tourism sectors through a strategic partnership. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Emad Hijazeen and his Palestinian counterpart, Hani Hayek, met on Monday to discuss the expansion of bilateral tourism cooperation. They focused on developing joint tourism packages, particularly those centered around religious tourism.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hijazeen expressed Jordan's willingness to share its expertise to support the Palestinian tourism sector. He highlighted Jordan's preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus's baptism in 2030 as an opportunity to strengthen the Kingdom's religious tourism offerings and attract Christian pilgrims from around the world.
Hayek conveyed his gratitude for Jordan's ongoing support in preserving Palestinian heritage. He specifically acknowledged Amman's efforts to register significant sites, such as Sebastia in the occupied West Bank, as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The discussions between the Jordanian and Palestinian tourism delegations extended to initiatives focusing on product development, staff training, and museum curation. These efforts aim to enhance visitor experiences and showcase the rich regional heritage. Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group tasked with mapping out strategic priorities, drafting an actionable roadmap, and monitoring the implementation of joint tourism projects.