Tourism development at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, Jordan: residents' perspectives

Abstract

Several studies have discussed the impacts of mass tourism on destinations and how local residents perceive such impacts. However, only a few studies have looked specifically at how sacred destinations and their residents are affected by religious tourism. This research note explores tourism's impacts on the Baptismal Site of Jesus on the eastern side of the Jordan River in Jordan. The study also examines the perceptions of residents about these impacts. Interviews were conducted with staff at the site, including the manager, the conservationist and locals working in conservation and tour guiding. Findings revealed that religious tourism helped create a source of income in the area and enhanced the local infrastructure. Tourism was also perceived to help restore and protect archeological remains. There is a general positive perception of tourism development; no negative sociocultural impacts were perceived. As well, it appears that residents have little concern for negative social impacts because their economic benefits outweigh any concerns, and there is minimal contact between tourists and residents.

Keywords:

• impacts
• resident perceptions
• sustainable development
• religious tourism
• Baptismal Site of Jesus
• Jordan
• Christianity

Notes on contributor

Mairna H. Mustafa is an assistant professor in Queen Rania Institute of Heritage and Tourism/ Hashemite University (Jordan). Research interests are in behavior of tourists in archeological sites, sociocultural impacts of tourism, globalization and tourism and sustainable tourism development.