It was also greeted by Mr. Antonio Santos del Valle, President of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, and Ms. Pilar Valdés, Director General of the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network. Both highlighted the importance of this network as a tool for international promotion and collaboration among tourism destinations specialized in spiritual tourism.
The importance of religious tourism for Uruguay
During his speech, Minister Remo Monzeglio highlighted the relevance of religious tourism as a growing segment within the country's tourism offer. “Religious tourism has the potential to attract a diverse and committed public, which seeks deep and enriching experiences. Uruguay has a rich cultural and religious heritage that we want to highlight through this network,” said Monzeglio.
Religious tourism, which ranges from pilgrimages to visits to sacred sites and faith-based activities, has experienced steady growth worldwide. In this context, Uruguay has identified a strategic opportunity to diversify its tourism offer and attract visitors interested in experiences linked to spirituality and religious culture.
Uruguay as a key member of the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network
Uruguay's membership in the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network opens new doors for the country in the field of international tourism. The network, which already has more than 20 destinations around the world, offers a platform for the promotion of Uruguayan destinations that have a religious or spiritual value.
Among the places of religious interest in Uruguay are the National Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Verdún in Minas, the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral of Montevideo and the historic church of San Carlos Borromeo in San Carlos. These sites, among others, are part of a tourist-religious circuit that Uruguay seeks to strengthen through its participation in the network.
Opportunities for development and international promotion
The presentation of the network was also an opportunity to discuss the prospects for the growth of religious tourism in Uruguay. International experts participating in the event shared their experiences on how other destinations have managed to capture the attention of pilgrims and tourists interested in spiritual tourism.
In this sense, the value of international alliances for the strengthening of the sector was highlighted. The World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network offers the possibility of creating synergies among member destinations, allowing the exchange of knowledge and strategies for the effective promotion of religious and spiritual sites.
Commitment to sustainable development
Another relevant point during the presentation was the focus on the sustainability of religious tourism. The organizers and participants emphasized the need to develop this form of tourism in a responsible manner, respecting the cultural and natural heritage of the destinations.
The World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network has as one of its fundamental pillars a commitment to sustainable development, promoting tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve the cultural and spiritual values of each place.
Next steps for Uruguay
The event concluded with a call to continue working to consolidate Uruguay as an outstanding destination on the map of international religious tourism. The Ministry of Tourism, together with Rosario Bianco Burgos, pledged to continue promoting projects and collaborations that will strengthen the country's religious tourism offer, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by its participation in the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network.
