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…
