Jordan has launched a $100 million plan to expand the area of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the kingdom’s sacred site that is believed to be where Jesus Christ was baptized.

The plan was revealed by a foundation that has been established by the Jordanian government to develop the Baptism Site’s area, which is located about 45 minutes away from the kingdom’s capital city of Amman. The expansion aims to attract 1 million Christian pilgrims to the site by 2030, which will mark the 2,000-year anniversary of Jesus’ baptism at the River Jordan.

(Conceptual drawings of the Bethany Beyond the Jordan development, photo credit: MK Associates) 

The development of the area will feature a biblical village theme with local restaurants, simple accommodations, and eateries serving local organic food options. The plan will be broken down into two parts and upon completion the area will include a three-star hotel, restaurants, shopping area, museum, wellness center, and a nature sanctuary. Nine faith organizations, including the Baptist World Alliance, a network of Baptist churches around the globe, have been given the opportunity to build a place in the area to welcome pilgrims to the baptism site.

(Conceptual drawings of the Bethany Beyond the Jordan development, photo credit: MK Associates) 

Today, the Baptism Site, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, is an incredible place filled with immense biblical and historic importance, and the completion of the expansion project will certainly enrich the area even more.