Interview with Kata Sara Gyuricza
Hungary Coordinator
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Kata Sara Gyuricza
Hungary Coordinator
She is a tourism professional whose vocation is to build bridges between countries, cultures and people. She completed her university studies in Tourism with a degree in Economics and a master's degree in Tourism Management and Planning. She has extensive experience in tourism development in Central and Eastern Europe, with a special focus on areas with potential resources. Her background includes experience both inside and outside the tourism sector, which gives her a broad view of the business world.
Her main specialty is tourism development through hotel projects, with a strong interest in researching features and attractions from multiple angles. This research allows her to provide data-based arguments to support business and public administration decisions at different levels.
In the field of religious and spiritual tourism, she has been involved in development projects focusing on some of the most notable pilgrimage sites in her native Hungary. She considers Hungary to be a very valuable spiritual focus and is fascinated by the opportunity to help the world get to know it better.
Could you describe your role and perspective as National Coordinator in the World Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations?
I consider myself a conciliatory person, a good listener and, above all, a person who manages to align different interests in the same direction. I aspire to create strong links between Hungary and the World Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations.
What do you consider to be the importance of religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
Hungary is in the heart of Europe, both geographically and figuratively. The presence of different religions makes it unique and very valuable: Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Jews and Muslims can find places of spirituality, and it even preserves manifestations of shamanistic tradition. It is a true delight.
What are some of the most popular destinations in your country for religious and spiritual tourism and why do they attract so many visitors?
If we talk about Budapest alone, without going any further, the Synagogue is one of the most visited places. In addition to its unquestionable beauty, it offers a unique insight into the recent history of the chosen people. A few blocks from the Synagogue we find another obligatory visit, the Basilica of St. Stephen that keeps the relic of our first Catholic king, St. Stephen, and going up to the Buda Castle we will be amazed by the church of Matthias that is a real history book and compendium of our saints thanks to its colorful stained glass windows. Likewise, we boast of having the only place of Muslim pilgrimage in Christian lands, the tomb of Gül Baba.
Venturing out of the capital, we find the impressive basilica of Esztergom, ancient abbeys in Tihany and Pannonhalma, or medieval churches in the northeastern corner of Hungary. In Debrecen we will be amazed by the Protestant church, in Vizsoly the first bible translated into Hungarian, and in the surroundings of the Tokaj wine region we will travel through the Jewish tradition on the Path of the Miraculous Rabbi.
The main attraction is authenticity and strong historical ties.
How does religious and spiritual tourism impact the local economy?
Especially in rural areas, religious and spiritual tourism is an important source of income, as well as helping to alleviate depopulation through the emotional ties that are created with the places.
What are the main challenges facing religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
Finding the right communication and marketing channels, as well as ensuring professionalization without diminishing spirituality may be the most interesting challenges.
What measures are being taken to ensure that religious tourism is sustainable and respects both local communities and the environment?
The National Religious Tourism Action Plan was recently approved, which among other issues also covers these topics.
How do you see religious and spiritual tourism evolving in terms of new technologies or innovative practices?
This is one of the most interesting challenges worth paying attention to.
Could you highlight any major event or holiday related to religious tourism in your country?
Pope Francis visited Hungary up to two times, certainly they were the most outstanding events of recent times.
Is there a personal experience or story you can share that illustrates the impact of religious or spiritual tourism?
I grew up in a non-denominational family. My conversion was as an adult, the result of a day that began as an excursion and turned into a real pilgrimage. That day I was able to experience the infinite transforming power of love and forgiveness.
How do you collaborate with other international delegates to promote religious and spiritual tourism?
The best ideas come from relaxed conversations. Getting to know the experiences of other international delegates and finding common ground strengthens and enriches the actions and contributes to the better professionalization of religious and spiritual tourism.
What is your vision for the development of religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
Based on collaboration and mutual respect, finding what unites us, we will be able to show the world Hungary's enormous contribution to universal religiosity and spirituality.
What message would you like to send to those who are considering visiting the religious and spiritual sites in your country?
Enjoy the spiritual richness and the myriad of religious and cultural treasures that have been sprouting for a thousand years in our lands and that are a true reflection of Hungary's history itself.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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