Religious tourism is deeply rooted in the history and culture of many countries, and continues to play a crucial role in the economy and identity of the destinations that promote it. In Europe, flagship sites such as the Vatican in Italy, Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Lourdes in France illustrate how religion can be a powerful tourist attraction. In this context, these destinations are not only places of spiritual devotion, but also major centres of economic and cultural activity. Through this exploration of the three destinations, we will highlight how religion not only shapes tourism practices but also profoundly influences the economic, cultural and social dynamics of these historic places.
Find the first part of this analysis on religious tourism in Saudi Arabia here.
Chapter 1 - VATICAN, ROME
The Vatican, as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, plays a major role in Italy’s tourism sector. Although an independent microstate, Vatican City exerts considerable influence on tourism in Italy through its iconic sites, welcoming policies, and economic impact. The Vatican's presence and recent initiatives highlight the importance of religious tourism in the country while also shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with this activity.
The Vatican: Epicenter of Spiritual and Cultural Tourism
In 2023, Vatican City introduced a visa-free travel policy for citizens of 117 countries, including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. This measure facilitated access to the Vatican, increasing the destination's appeal for spiritual, business, and leisure tourism. Last year, the Vatican welcomed around 7 million visitors, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the robust recovery of religious tourism (Travel and Tour World).
This notable increase in the number of visitors underscores the Vatican's position as a leading destination in global cultural and religious tourism. Sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums attract millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, contributing significantly to the local GDP despite the secrecy surrounding Vatican finances (Travel and Tour World).
The religious tourism market in Italy has seen significant growth, with an estimated $72 million in 2022 and a forecasted annual growth rate of 9.8% until 2032 (Future Market Insights). Italy holds a global market share in religious tourism ranging between 2% and 6%. The tourism sector accounted for 13% of GDP in 2017 and employed about 14.7% of the workforce (Future Market Insights).
Growth Fueled by Several Factors:
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Presence of the Italian Catholic Church: Italy's...
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