Traditional site of Jesus' baptism - big bucks for "glamping" development

BIBLICAL TOURISM: Jordan unveils $100 million master plan for the second millennium of Jesus’ baptism. 'We decided on a biblical village theme that attempts to re-create a 2,000-year-old experience,’ said an official in charge of developing the site. (RNS).

AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — Jordan has launched a $100 million master plan aimed at attracting 1 million Christian pilgrims to celebrations of the second millennium of the baptism of Jesus in 2030.

The ambitious plan was unveiled by a not-for-profit foundation created by the Jordanian government to develop the “Bethany beyond the Jordan” area, on the east bank of the Jordan River, long venerated as the place of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Archaeological discoveries of an ancient monastery at Al-Maghtas, Jordan, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

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That's a lot of money!

This site, al-Mahgtas, is the traditional site of Jesus' baptism. It is on the Jordanian side of the Jordan River. Qasr al-Yehud, the other side, is the main competitor. For background on both and their competing claims, start here and follow the links.

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