As a private university, Kodolányi János has stood out since its foundation for an educational model focused on innovation, quality, and the professional advancement of its students. In line with this vision, it offers programs in both Hungarian and English, which facilitates the attraction of international students and the development of joint projects with foreign institutions. This global orientation is especially valuable for the World Religious Tourism Network, which actively promotes knowledge exchange, inter-university collaboration, and academic engagement in international events.
The university’s incorporation comes at a time of growing interest in religious tourism as an interdisciplinary field of study, where issues of heritage, spirituality, human mobility, tourism management, and sustainability converge. In this regard, the university has expressed its intention to actively participate in the WRTN’s lines of work, including research activities and the organization and participation in specialized congresses, forums, and seminars. Its capacity to produce applied knowledge on new forms of pilgrimage, emerging religious routes, and the appreciation of Hungary’s and Central Europe's spiritual heritage represents a valuable contribution to the Network’s mission.
The leadership of the World Religious Tourism Network has expressed particular satisfaction with this new partnership, noting that Kodolányi János University will bring a fresh, rigorous, and creative perspective to the academic activities developed within the Network. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on English-language instruction is seen as a key asset for facilitating faculty and student exchange, as well as the co-creation of international scientific publications and educational materials.
Hungary, with its rich history, cultural wealth, and deep spiritual legacy, offers an ideal context for developing innovative projects in the field of religious tourism. With this new alliance, the World Religious Tourism Network strengthens its presence in a country where Christian traditions, historic pilgrimage routes, popular religious festivals, and a notable visitor infrastructure intersect. Kodolányi János University, with its modern and outward-looking vision, is well positioned to play an active role in valuing this heritage from both an academic and professional perspective.
The university’s incorporation was formalized through a cooperation agreement that will allow, beyond academic collaboration, its integration into the Network’s key strategic projects on a global scale. These include observatories of best practices, digital platforms for specialized training, exchange missions, and international publications focused on the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century religious tourism.
With this new member, the World Religious Tourism Network reaffirms its mission to be a pluralistic, dynamic, and expanding space that connects universities, public institutions, tourist destinations, religious organizations, and private sector entities under a shared vision: to promote a more conscious, respectful, inclusive tourism rooted in the cultural and spiritual values that define the identity of peoples. Kodolányi János University joins to enrich that vision, opening new opportunities for dialogue, study, and action at the heart of Europe.
