Religious tourism market set for significant expansion

A newly released study has identified that the global religious tourism market is set for strong growth, with a projected value of US$243.54 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.

According to The Business Research Company the market will increase from US$161.51 billion in 2023 to $174.98 billion in 2024, driven by a rise in demand for spiritual journeys, pilgrimages, and religious heritage experiences.

Identifying that one of the key factors behind this growth is the growing interest in spirituality and wellbeing, the report advises “travellers are seeking destinations that allow them to connect with their faith, engage in meaningful spiritual practices, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.”

Popular spiritual destinations such as India, Israel and Saudi Arabia are seeing more visitors seeking these experiences.

The market's expansion is also supported by the availability of low-cost airfares, faith-based travel packages, and technology that simplifies the booking process. In particular, online booking platforms are playing a significant role in making religious travel more accessible.

The Middle East remains the largest market for religious tourism, with Saudi Arabia and Israel being prominent due to Mecca and Jerusalem's religious significance. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region, driven by Catholic pilgrimages to sites like Vatican City.

Several companies are capitalising on this growth, including Booking Holdings Inc., Expedia Group, and Viator Inc., all offering customised tours and experiences tailored to spiritual travellers.

Looking ahead, the market is also poised to benefit from the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel options, as more tourists seek destinations that support sustainability and offer authentic spiritual experiences.

Image: Muslim Pilgrims at the Kaaba in Mecca during umra and hajj. Saudi Arabia is a key player in religious tourism, with Mecca being a major destination for Muslim pilgrimages, contributing significantly to the region's market growth. Credit: Shutterstock.