The Lebaniego Way: new reference of Religious Tourism in Europe according to the UIMP

29-06-24

• Experts in pilgrimage destination management will meet in Santander (Spain) on July 11 and 12.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport, in collaboration with the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP), is organizing a course dedicated to the Camino Lebaniego, highlighting it as one of the most important destinations for religious tourism in Europe. According to Eva Guillermina Fernández, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport, "Cantabria wants to place the Camino Lebaniego among the key destinations worldwide within religious tourism. To this end, we are promoting the organization of the course 'Design and Management of Religious Tourism Destinations' in Santander, which will bring together leading experts in the field.

The Camino Lebaniego is a member of the World Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations, a program of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, an alliance that strengthens its position as a reference destination. This collaboration is materialized in a joint program between both institutions, whose objective is to promote the sustainable development of the Camino Lebaniego and to promote its international diffusion.

The course, directed by Pilar Gómez-Bahamonde, head of the Fundación Camino Lebaniego and president of the international organization Future for Religious Heritage, will be attended by leading specialists. Among them, Chiara Curti, architect specializing in Gaudí, Silvia Aulet, director of the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policies and Cooperation, Pilar Valdés, Director General of the World Network of Religious Tourism Destinations, and Mario Crecente, one of those responsible for the expansion of Xacobeo.

The inauguration of the course will take place on July 11 at the Palacio de la Magdalena and will be in charge of Pilar Valdés Arroyo. The experts will analyze the current situation and challenges of consolidated and emerging religious destinations, addressing issues such as sustainability and the coexistence of the faithful and tourists in places of worship.

Among the topics highlighted, Ildefonso de la Campa will talk about brand image in religious destinations. Silvia Aulet will address the social and economic impact of religious tourism in Spain, while Mario Crecente will discuss pilgrimage routes as cultural itineraries. In addition, success stories such as Caravaca de la Cruz 2024, presented by the director of Tourism of the Region of Murcia, and the Sagrada Familia, presented by Chiara Curti, will be presented.

Pilar Gómez-Bahamonde will highlight the importance of religious tourism for local communities, underlining the potential of the Camino Lebaniego for economic development and environmental conservation in Cantabria. José Enrique Ruiz Domènec, professor of Medieval History, will give a lecture on the history of pilgrimages.

The registration period for this course is still open and those interested can register through the link provided by the UIMP. Click here.