WRTN successfully presented at the Pilgrims' Academy in Hungary

16-02-25

From 13 to 15 February, the World Religious Tourism Network (WRTN) made its official presentation at the Pilgrims Academy (Zarándok Akadémia) in Hungary, a key event in the segment of religious tourism that is consolidating at international level. The WRTN reaffirmed its commitment to the strengthening and internationalisation of religious tourism, in the presence of authorities and leading players in the sector.

A benchmark event in religious tourism

The Pilgrims' Academy, founded in 2023 under the patronage of the Prior of the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, T. Cirill Hortobágyi, has become a meeting and reflection space for the main actors of religious tourism in Hungary and beyond its borders. Its consolidation as a forum for debate and international connection is due in part to the support of the RMTR, which has facilitated the participation of experts and the articulation of cooperation networks between religious tourism destinations.

The co-organisers of the Academy, Dr. Gábor Bódis and András Molnár, active members of the RMTR, have worked together to strengthen the impact and projection of the event. Thanks to their management, the 2024 edition had an outstanding agenda of papers and presentations.

Renowned speakers and key topics

The Pilgrims' Academy programme brought together leading figures in the field of religious and cultural tourism. Among the speakers were

• Fülöp Kocsis, Archbishop-Metropolitan, who addressed the symbolism of the net in the biblical tradition.

• Péter Mosolygó and István Pinju, hosts of Máriapócs, who presented this emblematic pilgrimage destination.

• György Gorcsa, cantor of Máriapócs, who gave a presentation about the shrine.

• Kata Sára Gyuricza, founding member of the WRTN, who shared the vision and objectives of the World Religious Tourism Network.

• Lőrinc Nacsa, Secretary of State for National Policy, who highlighted the impact of religious tourism on Hungarian identity and culture.

• Gábor Soós, Representative of the Hungarian National Committee for UNESCO, Ministry of Culture and Innovation, who spoke about the protection and promotion of religious heritage.

• Mirkó Petényi, Executive Director of the Centre for the Development of Active and Ecotourism Tourism, who addressed the relationship between religious tourism and sustainability.

• Márta Dragonits, from the Ars Sacra Foundation, organiser of the Ars Sacra Festival, who highlighted the role of artistic expressions in religious tourism.

• Éva Treer, Head of the Archdiocesan Tourism Office of Esztergom-Budapest, who presented initiatives to strengthen religious tourism in the region.

• Jackie Randle, representative of the World Trails Network (online), who spoke about the World Trails Network and its connection with religious tourism.