Market segmentation reveals that religious tourism includes both domestic travel and international pilgrimages, encompassing religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others. It covers cultural and heritage tours, religious museums, spiritual retreats, faith-based festivals, and volunteer travel with a religious focus. Sales are made both online and offline, and travelers range from individuals to organized groups and packaged tours.
The regional analysis shows that the Middle East was the leading region in 2024, with key destinations like Mecca and Jerusalem. However, Europe is projected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period, reflecting a resurgence in cultural and religious tourism. Other regions, such as Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Africa, are also experiencing significant growth.
Key players in the market include major global travel and tourism operators such as Booking Holdings, Expedia, Frosch International Travel, Insight Vacations, Viator, G Adventures, Collette, Trafalgar, Holy Voyages, JTB Americas, and Kesari Tours. These companies are developing specialized digital platforms that integrate planning, booking, customized guides, and tailored experiences to meet specific religious travel needs.
From an operational and commercial standpoint, this projected growth represents major opportunities for the tourism sector. Iconic cities and destinations can benefit from increased pilgrim arrivals, boosting local economies through spending on accommodation, food, and heritage-related commerce. It also strengthens the link between faith and tourism. Addressing challenges like sustainability, service quality, and technological innovation will be crucial to improving visitor experiences and expanding the reach of religious tourism as a dynamic industry.
Religious tourism, as defined by The Business Research Company, includes all revenue generated from pilgrimages, heritage tours, spiritual hospitality services, and associated products. It is now a key component of the global tourism ecosystem, evolving in line with social, demographic, and cultural shifts, and shaped by the ability of destinations to merge religious traditions with contemporary tourism and technology.
The remarkable forecast—placing the market at $263.96 billion by 2029—highlights the strategic potential of this niche. Tourism institutions, agencies, and destinations can leverage this trend by promoting pilgrimage routes, faith-based festivals, spiritual retreats, and cultural tourism experiences to attract travelers seeking meaning and personal connection.
In short, the report outlines a clear reality: religious tourism is experiencing sustained growth and becoming a major player in the global tourism business. The numbers point to a sector that blends faith, culture, technology, and economics—and one that not only adapts to the post-pandemic landscape but also emerges as a powerful force for 21st-century tourism and cultural development.
