The increase in bookings to these destinations is no coincidence. Religious festivities and pilgrimage routes have gained a prominent place in the Colombian tourism scene, attracting both devout believers and travellers interested in discovering the cultural and heritage aspect of these sites. The mix of spirituality and tourism has become a successful formula that invites Colombians to rediscover their country from a different perspective.
Religious tourism in Colombia not only has a spiritual, but also a cultural and economic impact. Religious festivities, such as Holy Week in Popayán, have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which reinforces their importance both locally and internationally. This recognition not only attracts the faithful, but also tourists interested in being part of a unique experience, where faith is intertwined with culture and ancestral traditions.
From an economic point of view, religious tourism is a driving force that boosts the economy of the regions that host these destinations. Hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist guides benefit from the constant flow of visitors who come to these cities and towns to participate in religious events or to visit shrines. This increase in demand has generated a positive impact on local economies, promoting the development of tourism infrastructures and services adequate to receive pilgrims.
One of the most prominent trends in religious tourism is the development of pilgrimage routes in various regions of the country. These routes not only offer a spiritual experience, but also allow travellers to connect with local history, nature and culture. The Camino de Santiago in Spain has served as inspiration for the development in Colombia of routes such as the Camino del Cristo Rey, which connects several towns in Valle del Cauca, or the Marian Route, which runs through important shrines in the country.
These routes not only attract pilgrims, but also tourists interested in hiking, history and spirituality. The Colombian government, together with the private sector, has begun to promote these tourism products as a way of diversifying the country's offer and attracting a diverse public that seeks experiences beyond traditional sun and beach tourism.
The current context, marked by the pandemic and social and economic challenges, has prompted many people to look to religious tourism as a way to reconnect with their beliefs and find moments of peace and reflection. Travel to spiritual destinations has become an attractive option for those who wish to escape the stresses of everyday life and find solace in faith.
Tour operators have recognised this shift in travellers' preferences and have begun to offer special packages that include visits to shrines, participation in religious festivities and tours of historical sites linked to spirituality. These packages have been very popular, especially among families and older people, who see religious tourism as an opportunity to share experiences in a peaceful and enriching environment.
Religious tourism in Colombia has a promising future. As interest in trips that combine spirituality, culture and nature grows, this sector will continue to consolidate as one of the pillars of domestic tourism. The country's tourism authorities, in collaboration with the Church and local communities, are working to improve infrastructure and create new experiences to enrich the offer for visitors.
Moreover, religious tourism is not only limited to the most popular destinations. Colombia has a rich diversity of sacred sites, many of them little explored, that have the potential to become new tourist attractions. As more people discover the benefits of this type of travel, religious tourism is likely to continue to expand, boosting bookings and strengthening the economies of the regions that host these destinations.
