To celebrate this alliance, UBP organized a face-to-face meeting with the presence of its authorities and the Regional Director for Latin America of the RMTR in Latin America, Adrián Lomello, who visited the university to present the membership certificate. Representing the UBP were the Rector Teresa Olivi, the Vice Rector for Research and Postgraduate Studies Pamela Cáceres, the Secretary for Research Néstor Pisciotta, the Director of Technology Liaison Gabriela Dignani and the Director of the Institute for Applied Research in Sustainable Development (IDI-DS) Gabriel Garnero.
As a result of this agreement, the UBP will have access to a global network of experts and destinations specialized in religious tourism, which will provide greater visibility for its initiatives at the international level. It will also be able to participate in events organized by the RMTR in Argentina and other countries, develop joint research on religious and spiritual tourism, and create international religious tourism proposals together with the network and European universities.
This agreement adds to a series of initiatives that have positioned UBP as a key institution in the study of religious tourism. In 2017, the university and the National Ministry of Tourism established the National Observatory of Religious Tourism, a space dedicated to the analysis and monitoring of tourism activity in the country. Since then, the UBP has worked on the production of relevant information for decision-making in the sector, generating inputs for the strategic planning of tourism destinations and services.
In addition, UBP has recently launched the first International Course on Religious Tourism in online mode, in collaboration with the World Religious Tourism Network. This academic program responds to the growing demand for tourism experiences that combine faith, history and respect for the environment. The course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as the history and fundamentals of religious tourism, management of religious destinations, sustainable development in religious tourism, marketing and promotion of religious tourism products, and heritage and religious tourism.
The course is aimed at tourism professionals, cultural managers, community leaders and anyone interested in developing tourism proposals that integrate the religious and spiritual dimension. The course is 100% online, which allows for a flexible schedule and the possibility of accessing the course from anywhere in the world. Registration is now open and classes begin on February 17, 2025.
UBP has a solid track record in training professionals in various areas of knowledge, constantly adapting to market needs and global trends. With this new course and the agreement signed with the WRTN, the university reaffirms its commitment to quality education and the promotion of sustainable practices in the field of tourism.
The rector of the UBP, Teresa Olivi, expressed her satisfaction with this achievement: “This agreement is a recognition of the work we have been doing in the field of religious tourism. It will allow us to expand our frontiers and collaborate with institutions around the world to continue promoting the sustainable development of this sector”.
Adrian Lomello, WRTN's representative in Latin America, said: “The incorporation of UBP into our network is an important step towards strengthening religious tourism in the region. We are confident that this alliance will generate innovative initiatives and contribute to the growth of this tourism segment.”
With these actions, Blas Pascal University continues to consolidate its position as a leader in the field of religious tourism, demonstrating its commitment to the training of skilled professionals and the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
