Torreciudad (Spain) religious tourism boosts the Aragonese economy with 97 million euros annually
17-11-24
The Sanctuary of Torreciudad, located in the province of Huesca, has established itself as an economic engine for Aragon, generating an annual impact of 97 million euros. This figure comes from a study carried out by the Chamber of Commerce of Huesca, commissioned by the Association Patronato de Torreciudad, which analyzes the socioeconomic effect of the sanctuary in the region.
With an average of 180,900 visitors per year, Torreciudad stands out not only as a reference for religious tourism, but also as a catalyst for economic and territorial development. The report details that the direct impact, i.e., the expenditure made by visitors on services such as accommodation, catering and cultural activities, amounts to 58.2 million euros. Of these visitors, 82% stay overnight in the area, with an average stay of 4.4 days, which strengthens the local economy.
In addition to the direct impact, indirect and induced effects are identified. The indirect impact, which includes purchases from suppliers and related services, is estimated at 28.8 million euros. The induced impact, derived from the wage income generated and its subsequent expenditure in the economy, amounts to 10.3 million euros.
The study also includes a counterfactual analysis, evaluating the scenario in which Torreciudad would not exist. It is concluded that, given the centrality of the sanctuary as the main reason for visits, around 150,000 visitors would be put at risk, which would imply a significant loss in the regional economic impact.
Beyond the economic figures, the report highlights 14 positive impacts and externalities attributable to the presence of Torreciudad. Among them, it highlights the improvement in the tourist positioning of the province of Huesca and its development as a tourist resource of its own, acting as a promoter of the provincial territory.
Looking to the future, potential collaborations and developments in which Torreciudad could play a key role are identified. Synergies with receptive travel agencies, incorporation into regional tourism sustainability plans, promotion of walking and cycling routes, and alliances with the nearby local heritage are suggested. Likewise, the possibility of strengthening the Marian Route, promoting cross-border itineraries through the Camino and promoting international pilgrimages.
The Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was inaugurated in 1975 and forms part of the Marian Route together with El Pilar, Montserrat and Lourdes. Its architecture, designed by Heliodoro Dols, stands out for its use of brick and alabaster, traditional materials of the region. The sanctuary houses the Romanesque carving of the Virgin of Torreciudad, an 11th century image that has been the object of devotion for centuries.
In 2025, Torreciudad will celebrate its 50th anniversary, which represents an opportunity to strengthen its role as a tourism and cultural dynamo. The report suggests that, through collaborative projects and the development of new tourism products, the sanctuary can be further integrated with the actors of territorial development.
In summary, the Sanctuary of Torreciudad is not only a place of pilgrimage and spirituality, but also a fundamental pillar for the economy and sustainable development of Aragon. Its ability to attract visitors and generate economic activity positions it as a benchmark in the promotion of rural and cultural tourism in Spain.
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