The meeting held at the Monastery of Santo Toribio not only highlighted the religious significance of each of these cities, but also proposed a common approach to the promotion of religious tourism in contemporary times. During the meeting, the authorities of the five cities shared experiences and strategies, recognizing the key role that religious tourism plays in heritage conservation and in boosting local economies.
The authorities and representatives of Santiago de Compostela, Rome, Jerusalem and Caravaca de la Cruz, together with those of Liébana, highlighted the need to strengthen pilgrimage routes and tourist infrastructures to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims. They also stressed the importance of disseminating the cultural, historical and spiritual value of these destinations to generate a positive impact in both the religious and economic spheres.
Religious tourism: an opportunity for development
Religious tourism has proven to be an unparalleled opportunity for the development of local communities. In recent years, the number of pilgrims visiting these cities has grown considerably, leading to increased investment in infrastructure, services, and cultural and religious programs that enhance the visitor experience.
The economic impact of religious tourism is indisputable. Not only does it generate direct income through traditional tourism services, such as lodging, catering and transportation, but it also promotes the development of other related economic activities, such as local handicrafts and the organization of cultural events. Moreover, this type of tourism tends to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as pilgrims are often motivated by spiritual values that make them more aware of the importance of conserving the cultural and natural heritage of the places they visit.
The cooperation between these Jubilee cities has made it possible to establish a joint work network that facilitates the promotion of religious tourism on a global level. This type of alliance strengthens the visibility of the destinations and contributes to diversifying the tourist offer, especially at a time when tourism is looking for new ways to connect with culture and spirituality.
One of the objectives of the meeting in Liébana was precisely to promote common projects, such as the creation of international pilgrimage routes connecting these destinations, as well as the organization of events that promote cultural and religious exchange between the Jubilee cities. The collaboration has also focused on the development of technologies and digital platforms to help pilgrims plan their trips in a more accessible and secure way.
The meeting between the five Jubilee cities has been a significant step toward the consolidation of a global network of religious tourism that not only promotes faith, but also favors the sustainable development of local communities. The coming together of Santiago de Compostela, Rome, Jerusalem, Caravaca de la Cruz and Santo Toribio de Liébana around a common goal demonstrates the potential of international collaboration to enhance the pilgrim experience and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage for future generations.
