Tourism minister, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission official discuss cooperation

AMMAN — Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram Qaisi on Sunday met with Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), to discuss tourism cooperation and the notable increases in Nigerian tourists visiting Jordan for religious purposes.

Qaisi emphasised that Jordan is one of the most prominent religious tourist destinations in the world due to its religious and cultural diversity, in addition to the Kingdom’s values of tolerance and coexistence. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the successive civilisations that have passed through history.

Qaisi stressed the Kingdom’s keenness to develop relations with African countries, pointing out that both Islamic and Christian religious tourism can help strengthen relationships, bring people together and contribute to cultural exchange and understanding.

The Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan, such as the Baptism Site, Mount Nebo, Mar Elias Church, Lady of the Mount and Mukawer, as well as other archaeological sites like Um Al Rassas and the Cave of Jesus, are important religious and tourist destinations in the region for Christian pilgrims, the minister said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Pam said that the NCPC works to transport Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, emphasising the importance of Jordan as a primary destination for Christian pilgrimage, and expressed appreciation for the ministry and other relevant authorities’ efforts in hosting Nigerian pilgrims, who reported feeling safe throughout their stay in the Kingdom.

Pam highlighted that Jordan was chosen as a “pilgrimage destination” due to its values of tolerance and coexistence.