The event brought together representatives of CANATUR, PROMPERÚ and the Global Religious Tourism Network, as well as experts in innovation and communications.
During the event, Adrián Nelso Lomello, Director for the Americas of the Global Religious Tourism Network, emphasized that religious tourism should not be understood solely as the movement of pilgrims and worshippers, but rather as an activity capable of mobilizing cultures, territories, identities and local economies.
In his presentation, Lomello stressed that spiritual heritage represents a unique asset that cannot be manufactured or replicated, and that the return of Pope Leo XIV offers an opportunity to build an enduring narrative around Peru as a land of faith. In this context, he highlighted the need to consolidate tourism assets such as the Leo Route in Chiclayo, Trujillo, Piura and Callao, together with other destinations associated with the Holy Father’s journey, enabling them to transcend the papal visit itself and become part of a permanent tourism offering.
One of the international contributions to the conference was delivered by Cristina del Olmo, a journalist with the Spanish Episcopal Conference specializing in institutional and religious communications, who shared insights and experiences from Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Spain.
Representing PROMPERÚ, Sol Velásquez, Director of Tourism Promotion, presented the organization’s 2026 strategy for the religious tourism segment. She highlighted religious tourism as a tangible opportunity to diversify the promotion of Peru, broaden travelers’ motivations for visiting the country and raise the profile of destinations with a strong cultural and spiritual identity.
On behalf of the Municipality of Callao, Gino García presented progress in the development of religious tourism products and the Pope Leo XIV Route.
The conference concluded with a presentation by Waldin Durán, a specialist in innovation and digital transformation.
CANATUR Peru Recognized as a Founding Affiliate Member
As part of the event, CANATUR Peru received special recognition as a Founding Affiliate Member of the Global Religious Tourism Network. This distinction recognizes the organization’s commitment to international cooperation, knowledge exchange and the promotion of tourism destinations associated with spirituality, faith and cultural heritage.
The certificate was received by Maritza Montero, First Vice President of CANATUR, who expressed her appreciation for the confidence placed in the institution and reaffirmed CANATUR’s commitment to continuing to promote the development of religious tourism throughout the country.
Pedro de Osma Museum Membership
The Pedro de Osma Museum in Lima was recognized as a Founding Affiliate Member of the Word Religious Tourism Network, marking an important milestone that reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural and religious heritage as part of an internationally oriented tourism offering.
The certificate presentation ceremony was attended by Adrián Lomello, Director for the Americas of the Global Religious Tourism Network; Carlos Loayza, General Manager of CANATUR; and Patricia Delgado, Audience Coordinator at the Pedro de Osma Museum. They highlighted the importance of strengthening the links between culture, heritage and tourism.
Through its membership, the Pedro de Osma Museum joins an international network dedicated to enhancing and promoting religious heritage, fostering the exchange of experiences and encouraging collaboration among institutions committed to conservation, education and the development of cultural tourism.
Training in Lambayeque to Promote the Pope Leo XIV Route and Its Contribution to Regional Development
The Regional Government of Lambayeque, the National Chamber of Tourism of Peru (CANATUR) and the Global Religious Tourism Network organized specialized religious tourism conferences for stakeholders throughout the region.
The initiative provided a platform for training, knowledge exchange and institutional coordination aimed at strengthening faith-based tourism in Lambayeque, particularly through the Pope Leo XIV Route. The program was carried out in collaboration with GERCETUR, the Regional Office of Foreign Trade and Tourism, and the Diocese of Chiclayo.
The event was held at the headquarters of the Regional Government of Lambayeque in Chiclayo and featured the participation of Adrián Nelso Lomello, Director for the Americas of the Global Religious Tourism Network; Carlos Loayza Camarena, General Manager of CANATUR Peru; and María Isabel Espinal of GERCETUR.
The conference forms part of a broader training agenda designed to strengthen tourism-sector capabilities in preparation for the organization of the Papal Visit scheduled for next November.
During the event, Dr. Jorge Pérez Flores, Governor of Lambayeque, received the certificate formally recognizing Lambayeque as a Founding Member of the Global Religious Tourism Network. The Diocese of Chiclayo was also presented with a certificate recognizing its membership in the Network.
Finally, Félix Mio Sánchez, Director of GERCETUR, accompanied the speakers on a tour of several sites in Chiclayo where Pope Leo XIV carried out his apostolic ministry, including the Cathedral of Chiclayo and the Pope Museum at the Municipality of Chiclayo.
