Jordanian tourism minister expects more religious tourism activity

Jordanian Minister of Tourism Lina Annab said religious tourism between Egypt and Jordan will witness intensive and tangible activity in the coming period in the wake of signing around 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding by the joint higher committee.

Annab, who started a two-day official visit to Cairo on Sunday, told MENA the 17 agreements include an executive program for the MoU signed a few years ago between the two countries to revive religious tourism in order to attract foreign tourists to both nations.

She said her talks with Egyptian officials will cover activating some routes particularly the Hajj and the Holy Family, adding that she will meet with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese who visited Jordan in September and invited her to visit Egypt.

Egypt and Jordan are the cradles of civilizations and religions emerged in both nations. Christianity started in Jordan at Al Maghtas area where Jesus Christ was baptized, she said.

Annab is expected to meet with a number of Coptic Orthodox Cathedral leaders, Minister of Tourism Yehia Rashed and representatives of the tourism sector particularly travel and tourism agents.

Source: MENA