The WRTN welcomes Marta Szegedi to strengthen membership management

02-12-25

The World Religious Tourism Network (WRTN), a programme of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, announces the incorporation of Marta Szegedi as Operational Memberships Manager, a significant step within its strategy for institutional growth and for strengthening services to its members. In this new role, Ms Szegedi will manage membership admission and renewal processes with the highest diligence and professionalism, providing direct assistance via the email address contact@worldreligioustourism.net . With her arrival, the WRTN reaffirms its commitment to closer, more efficient and needs-oriented support for the destinations, entities and professionals that make up this international community.

Marta Szegedi’s career is deeply shaped by the cultural and spiritual values of her homeland, Tokaj, an emblematic region of Hungary recognised not only for the excellence of its sweet wines, but also for its rich heritage of coexistence between cultures and religions. Tokaj has been the setting of events that have influenced European and world history, and is the birthplace of such prominent figures as Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of the Franciscan Order, and Yeshaya Steiner, known as the Miracle Rabbi in the Hasidic tradition. Growing up in an environment charged with symbolism, spirituality and historical diversity decisively shaped her vision of tourism as a tool for transmitting values, fostering intercultural understanding and promoting respect for heritage.

Building on this deeply rooted identity, Marta Szegedi decided to launch her own professional project in Tokaj, where she has developed outstanding work as a local tour guide. Her offer includes themed tours in three languages — Spanish, English and Hungarian — designed to bring visitors closer both to the history and to the spiritual traditions of the region. In parallel, she has been teaching tourism and economics for more than a decade, actively contributing to the development of future generations of tourism professionals. This teaching work has been accompanied by intense research activity that has enabled her to design original thematic routes focused on the religious and heritage values of Tokaj, proposals that have had a significant impact on tourism radio and television programmes in which she frequently participates.

Her commitment to continuous training has led her to specialise in Heritage Tourism, consolidating a comprehensive vision that combines academic knowledge, practical experience and sensitivity towards cultural diversity. Both as a teacher and as a guide, Marta Szegedi conceives her work as an opportunity to convey a message of coexistence, dialogue and respect between communities, always highlighting the plurality of perspectives that have shaped the history, economy and society of the territory she represents.

Recognised for her professionalism, perseverance and commitment to tourism quality, she has received awards such as European CEO of the Year and the Tokaj City Culture Award, distinctions that underline her positive influence on the sector and her contribution to strengthening local tourism. These achievements, together with her open, curious and deeply vocational character, have positioned her as a reference in the field of cultural and religious tourism.

In 2025, Marta Szegedi joined the World Religious Tourism Network as a Founding Member, demonstrating from the very beginning a proactive attitude and strong motivation to contribute to the growth and consolidation of the Network. Her incorporation into the WRTN’s operational team represents both recognition of her trajectory and a commitment to raising quality standards in the management of services for current and future members.

The WRTN extends its warmest welcome and expresses its confidence that her experience, dedication and sensitivity towards religious tourism will significantly strengthen the mission of the Network. Her arrival symbolises a continued commitment to excellence, sustainability and close support for all actors in the tourism ecosystem specialising in spirituality, heritage and culture. Through her work, the Network reinforces its vocation to become a global space for collaboration, learning and the promotion of religious tourism in its many expressions.

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