During the meeting, participants analyzed the possibilities for expansion and international positioning of the route inspired by Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann, recognized for his profound humanitarian vocation and for a medical and religious legacy that continues to inspire admiration across numerous European countries. The participants agreed on the need to strengthen alliances with European pilgrimage networks, cultural institutions and tourism organizations in order to reinforce the international presence of the Religious Route.
Among the attendees, Countess Margit Batthyány-Schmidt stood out as one of the foremost contemporary guardians of the Batthyány family legacy and of the Batthyány Foundation. She was accompanied by her daughter, Katalin Batthyány, representative of the new generation committed to preserving and promoting the historical and spiritual values linked to this initiative. Both emphasized the importance of keeping alive the message of faith, service and solidarity that characterized Blessed László.
Antonio Santos del Valle, President of the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT), also participated in the meeting, sharing his vision regarding the evolution of spiritual tourism in Europe. Santos del Valle highlighted that travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences connected to historical identity and profound human values. According to his analysis, pilgrimage routes with a strong heritage and emotional component currently possess enormous international projection potential, particularly when they integrate tradition, sustainability and transnational cooperation.
The meeting also featured an intervention by Székely Edit, European Director of the World Religious Tourism Network (WRTN), who presented an analysis of the sustained growth of religious tourism worldwide and the opportunities this phenomenon represents for Hungary and Central Europe. During her presentation, she pointed out the increasing demand for routes capable of offering transformative experiences connected to spirituality, culture and Europe’s historical memory.
Székely Edit emphasized the potential of the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Route as an integrative project within Europe’s major religious and cultural circuits. She also stressed that initiatives of this nature promote local economic development, strengthen heritage preservation and contribute to cultural dialogue among territories and communities.
Participants agreed that the Religious Tourism Route of Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann possesses unique characteristics that make it a distinctive proposal within the European landscape. The human dimension of the Blessed figure, his dedication to the most vulnerable and the historical legacy of the Batthyány family provide the project with a singular identity combining spirituality, history and social commitment.
The meeting concluded with a shared message of support and cooperation to continue advancing the international consolidation of the Religious Route. Participants reaffirmed that this initiative transcends the strictly tourism-related sphere and also represents a valuable expression of the spiritual and historical heritage of Central Europe. In addition to promoting new tourism flows, the project aspires to become a bridge between cultures and generations, strengthening the links between past and future through a proposal based on universal values.
The foundation linked to the legacy of Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann currently represents one of the most important institutions dedicated to preserving the historical, spiritual and cultural memory of Hungary and Central Europe. Its work keeps alive the heritage of the Batthyány family, one of the most influential noble houses of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Batthyány family played a decisive role during key moments in European history, participating in modernization processes, territorial defense and the promotion of Christian and humanitarian values. The figure of Blessed László further consolidated a legacy of medical service and assistance to those most in need that transcended borders and became a symbol of solidarity, faith and social commitment for future generations throughout Europe. The initiative will strengthen new international cultural and tourism partnerships.
