Querétaro joins the World Religious Tourism Network as a founding member

12-06-25

In a symbolic ceremony held at the historic Chapel of the Apostles in the Temple of the Sweet Name of Jesus (Teresitas), the municipality of Querétaro officially received its certificate of membership as a founding member of the World Religious Tourism Network (WRTN). This incorporation marks a strategic step in enhancing the international visibility of the city's spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage, reinforcing its position as a key destination for religious tourism in Latin America.

The World Religious Tourism Network is an international initiative that connects governments, religious institutions, tourism organizations, academia, and the private sector with the goal of fostering the development, promotion, cooperation, and professionalization of tourism related to spirituality and faith. With a presence in over 30 countries, the WRTN promotes international visibility campaigns, experience exchanges, best practices, and the creation of sustainable and inclusive tourism products. Querétaro’s membership as a founding member will enable the integration of its religious routes into global programs, trade missions, and forums for tourism innovation.

During the event, Sergio Miguel Palma Peniche, coordinator of the World Religious Tourism Network in Querétaro and national delegate of the WRTN in Mexico, presented the official certificate of membership to the municipality. In his speech, Palma Peniche highlighted the immense heritage and symbolic value of Querétaro, emphasizing that the city holds three UNESCO recognitions: Learning City, Creative City of Design, and World Heritage City.

“Querétaro represents an exemplary model of how harmonious coexistence between past, present, and future can generate unique tourism products. The preservation of more than 1,400 registered buildings—many of them religious—in an urban layout recognized by UNESCO, demonstrates the commitment of its citizens to their history and spirituality,” said Palma.

He also recalled that Querétaro has been internationally recognized as one of the four best cities in the world to live in, following Sydney, Prague, and Berlin—a distinction that reflects not only its quality of life but also its tourism potential for both domestic and international visitors.

Representing the municipality, Tourism Secretary Mariana Ortiz stated that this membership will allow for greater promotion of the Capital’s Religious Routes and help highlight the city’s rich spiritual legacy on the global stage. She also emphasized the collaboration between state and municipal authorities to diversify and strengthen local tourism products.

Meanwhile, Monsignor José Martín Lara Becerril, spokesperson for the Diocese of Querétaro, shared statistics underscoring the vitality of religious tourism in the region. He reported that the Route of the Relics, one of the diocese’s main spiritual attractions, has drawn more than 18,500 visitors, with 51 Eucharistic celebrations and over 116 hours of veneration. He also noted that several diocesan temples permanently display relics, generating continuous flows of pilgrimage and devotion.

With this incorporation into the World Religious Tourism Network, Querétaro strengthens its role as a spiritual, creative, and vibrant city—open to intercultural dialogue and innovation in the development of meaningful tourism experiences. The municipality thus joins a global network that recognizes religious tourism not only as a path for economic and cultural development, but also as a vehicle for peace, mutual understanding among peoples, and the strengthening of local identities.

In collaboration with:

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Legal notice