One of the most notable aspects of the initiative is the strengthening of the so-called “Path of Faith” (Camino de la Fe), a tourism route that connects a wide range of religious landmarks across the province. The itinerary encompasses an extensive network of roads, trails, and pathways linking more than eighty faith-related sites and monuments, creating an attractive offering for both pilgrims and travelers interested in culture, history, and local traditions.
The legislative proposal also seeks to create new opportunities for regional economies through the integration of tourism, hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, and related services. In this way, religious tourism is positioned as an activity capable of diversifying Neuquén’s tourism portfolio while generating direct benefits for numerous communities throughout the province.
Industry experts consider religious tourism to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism market. Every year, millions of people participate in pilgrimages, spiritual gatherings, and visits to religious sites, generating significant economic and cultural impacts in host destinations. In this context, Neuquén possesses favorable conditions to establish itself as a national benchmark, thanks to the richness of its spiritual heritage and the diversity of religious expressions found within its territory.
The initiative promoted by Mercedes Tulián also stands out for its inclusive and pluralistic vision, grounded in respect for religious diversity and the development of accessible and inclusive tourism experiences. This approach contributes to strengthening intercultural dialogue and fostering meaningful experiences that combine spirituality, heritage, identity, and local development.
In addition to supporting tourism growth, the project seeks to encourage the preservation of traditions, festivities, and cultural expressions that form part of the collective memory of Neuquén’s communities. In this regard, the proposal recognizes faith as a powerful element capable of fostering social cohesion, promoting encounters among people from diverse backgrounds, and strengthening community identity and belonging.
The bill will now continue its legislative process through the relevant committees before reaching the provincial legislature for final debate and consideration. Meanwhile, stakeholders from the tourism, cultural, and religious sectors are closely following its progress, viewing it as a potential milestone in Neuquén’s tourism development strategy.
Bill No. 17,900 was formally submitted through the Legislature’s General Registry Office on September 2, 2025, bearing the signatures of legislators Marcelo Bermúdez and Verónica Lichter (PRO-NCN), Gisselle Stillger (Avanzar), Carlos Coggiola (Neuquén Federal), Brenda Buchiniz (Cumplir), Mónica Guanque (Comunidad), and César Gass (JxC-UCR).
The World Religious Tourism Network, an international program of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, expresses its recognition of legislator Mercedes Tulián for presenting this legislative initiative aimed at strengthening religious tourism in the Province of Neuquén. The organization particularly values proposals that contribute to creating favorable institutional frameworks for the preservation of spiritual and cultural heritage, the promotion of faith-based destinations, and the sustainable development of local communities. It also highlights the importance of advancing initiatives that encourage tourism diversification and intercultural dialogue, objectives that are becoming increasingly relevant within both the national and international tourism landscape.
