The Network of Religious Tourism Destinations presented at FIT

03-10-23

The presentation of the Network of Religious Tourism Destinations took place last Sunday, October 1st, in the framework of the International Tourism Fair (FIT), in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

The presentation was made by the president of Tourism and Society Think Tank, Antonio Santos del Valle, who did it via video conference due to the impossibility of being there in person, Prof. Santiago Cano, director of the Consultancy Empresur and Prof. Gustavo Loza, technical referent of Religious Tourism of the Cordoba Tourism Agency of the province of Cordoba. 

On this occasion, tourism representatives from various countries were present in the audience, including representatives from Uruguay, Brazil, Guatemala, Morocco, Paraguay, Turkey, Spain and Israel, as well as from various Argentine provinces such as Catamarca, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, San Juan, Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and others.

The event was the occasion to present the first certificate as a founding member of the Network of Religious Tourism Destinations to the province of Cordoba, which was received by Ms. Maria Julia Camilucci, head of tourism products of the Cordoba Tourism Agency. 

The Network was presented by the President of Tourism and Society Think Tank, Antonio Santos del Valle, who explained and listed the objectives of the Network, which include: identification of religious destinations, research and selection, collaboration with religious communities, development of tourism infrastructure, creation and/or integration in the RDTR website, marketing and promotion, religious events and festivals, sustainability and conservation, governmental and private collaboration. 

In addition, Antonio Santos said that a continuous evaluation process will be established to ensure that destinations maintain quality standards, as well as review criteria to reflect current or changing circumstances or visitor expectations. 

In this regard, transparency will be guaranteed throughout the evaluation and certification process, ensuring that the committee operates in an ethical manner, avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining impartiality in its decisions. 

Also the president of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, expressed that the effective promotion of the Network and the distinctive Seal will help to increase awareness and interest in certified religious tourism destinations, attracting a steady flow of visitors seeking authentic and meaningful experiences related to religion and spirituality. 

The actions of the network will be: Participation in tourism fairs, digital marketing campaigns, Production of promotional material, social media and influencer marketing, themed events and festivals, strategic alliances, incentive programmes, media and public relations, feedback and testimonials, measurement and analysis, collaboration with religious communities, among others.

In reference to the benefits that the network can bring, it is highlighted that innovation in religious tourism destinations can attract a wider and more diverse audience, increase visitor satisfaction and contribute to the sustainable growth of the top-tier religious destination. 

Adapting to new technologies and cultural trends is essential to maintain relevance in the religious tourism industry. 

In turn, the technical referent of Religious Tourism of the Córdoba Tourism Agency, made a synthesis of the process carried out in Córdoba in the evolution and enhancement of Religious Tourism in the province of Córdoba, having as last achievement the development of the "Camino de Brochero" and the twinning of this with the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. 

Destinations interested in joining the network may contact the Tourism and Society Think Tank: religi_destin@tourismandsocietytt.com or EMPRESUR empresur.turismo@gmail.com.