WORLD – Growth of religious tourism

The global market for religious tourism continues to grow. Last year, 215.000 visitors reached the cathedral of Santiago de Compostella after walking St. James’ way. The town of Medjugorje, in Herzegovina, draws over a million visits anually since six children claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary there in 1981.Peter Johansen writes:

Yes, religious tourism is big. And it’s getting bigger. Researchers suggest the market is more resilient to recessions and is more open to repeat business than secular leisure travel. According to Kevin J. Wright, director of growth markets at the Kentucky-based National Tour Association, the global faith-based travel sector is worth $18 billion and includes 300 million travelers a year, the majority well educated and with comfortable incomes. “Studies show that 35 per cent of travelers want to take a faith-inspired vacation, so the market potential remains enormous,” he says.

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