Sacred places, pilgrimages and how spiritual tourism became a new travel trend

01/17/22 • 26 min

On this episode, we’re talking about sacred spaces, spiritual pilgrimages, how faith tourism became a new travel trend. In the UK, many churches and sacred sites are looking to enhance the visitor experience and increase revenue through tours, activities and even overnight church camping known as ‘champing’. But how do churches and pilgrimage sites balance contemporary travel and tourism growth whilst maintaining the key messages of faith and heritage?

Today’s travellers are also looking for more purposeful trips and authentic experiences, whether abroad or at home, so who better to capitalise on this than churches, chapels and sacred sites?

We talk to several experts to find out how churches, sacred sites and the organisations that support them, are developing these special places in a purposeful and sustainable manner, in order to preserve them for generations of pilgrims to come.

Thanks so much The National Churches Trust and Explore Churches for supporting this episode of the Travel Goals podcast.

Don't forget to also check out our show sponsor - RoomSteals and use the coupon code travelgoals to save 20% on a RoomSteals subscription.

For more information, head to travelgoalspodcast.com

***

Hi, I'm your podcast host, Pip Jones, [also known as Portia Jones] and I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster and newsletter writer. I've travelled extensively around the world and I'm available for hire for writing and podcasting. You can see my online travel journalism portfolio here.

Are you a destination or travel brand that wants to sponsor the Travel Goals Podcast? Email me to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities on Travel Goals.

Make sure to connect with me online as well, I'm @travelgoalspod and @pip_says on Twitter and @pipsays and @travelgoalspodcast on Instagram.

If you love the show and would like to support Travel Goals, I'm a huge fan of vanilla lattes, you can buy me a coffee online so that I can stay well caffeinated for the show.

Enjoy the podcast!

Today’s travellers are also looking for more purposeful trips and authentic experiences, whether abroad or at home, so who better to capitalise on this than churches, chapels and sacred sites?

Thanks so much The National Churches Trust and Explore Churches for supporting this episode of the Travel Goals podcast.

Don't forget to also check out our show sponsor - RoomSteals and use the coupon code travelgoals to save 20% on a RoomSteals subscription.

For more information, head to travelgoalspodcast.com

***

Are you a destination or travel brand that wants to sponsor the Travel Goals Podcast? Email me to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities on Travel Goals.

Make sure to connect with me online as well, I'm @travelgoalspod and @pip_says on Twitter and @pipsays and @travelgoalspodcast on Instagram.

If you love the show and would like to support Travel Goals, I'm a huge fan of vanilla lattes, you can buy me a coffee online so that I can stay well caffeinated for the show.

Enjoy the podcast!

Previous Episode

Travel disasters, off-beat adventures and why travel insurance is essential with Katie Crowe from battleface

When we travel, we are bracing the unknown and the unfamiliar. We're casting aside our everyday routines and putting ourselves on the path of adventure and this isn’t without its risks. In this episode, I chat with Katie Crowe, Director of Communications, at Insurance company battleface about travel diasters, having off-beat adventures and why travel insurance is essential.

Learn more about planning a trip to lesser-known destinations and the challenges and risks involved as Katie and I swap travel disaster stories and chat about how to handle a crisis on the road.

With over twenty years of communications experience, Katie has worked on some of the world’s most exciting brands, on both global and local levels. At battleface, Katie implements her global expertise in strategy and messaging development, PR planning, media relations, crisis and issues support.

When she’s not being a communications superstar, Katie is travelling and leading a very active lifestyle and loves swimming, sailing, scuba diving and skiing and getting out for dog walks with her Chocolate Labrador puppy, Benji.

Don't forget to also check out our show sponsor - RoomSteals and use the coupon code travelgoals to save 20% on a RoomSteals subscription.

For show notes, head to travelgoalspodcast.com

***

Hi, I'm your podcast host, Pip Jones, [also known as Portia Jones] and I'm a freelance travel writer, podcaster and presenter. I've travelled extensively around the world and I'm available for hire for writing and podcasting. You can see my online travel journalism portfolio here.

Are you a destination or travel brand that wants to sponsor the Travel Goals Podcast? Email me to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities on Travel Goals.

Make sure to connect with me online as well, I'm @travelgoalspod and @pip_says on Twitter and @pipsays and @travelgoalspodcast on Instagram.

If you love the show and would like to support Travel Goals, I'm a huge fan of vanilla lattes, you can buy me a coffee online so that I can stay well caffeinated for the show.

Enjoy the podcast!

Next Episode

Why you must visit the charming Black & White Villages of Herefordshire in England

Find out why you must visit the charming Black & White Villages of Herefordshire in England, with this special destination podcast. Recorded on location, this episode takes the listener on an immersive audio journey as we adventure through the English countryside, speaking to locals and finding out what makes this beautiful part of the UK so special?

Located in a peaceful part of the West Midlands and hugging the Welsh border is the county of Herefordshire. Known for its leafy orchards, premium cider and picturesque villages, it’s an ideal break in the UK for those seeking a Bridget Jones style, full-blown mini-break in the English countryside.

In the north of the county, you’ll find Herefordshire’s cluster of historic Black and white villages. These Medieval villages feature twee half-timbered black and white buildings, cosy country pubs, and independent tea shops and offer a slower pace of life away from city crowds and endless Zoom meetings.

Join us on a whimsical journey of discovery and get ready for some destination inspiration.

Thanks so much to Visit Herefordshire for supporting this episode of the Travel Goals podcast.

Don't forget to also check out our show sponsor - RoomSteals and use the coupon code travelgoals to save 20% on a RoomSteals subscription.

For more information, head to travelgoalspodcast.com

***

Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones, [nickname Pip Jones] and I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster and newsletter writer. I've travelled extensively around the world and I'm available for hire for writing and podcasting. You can see my online travel journalism portfolio here.

Are you a destination or travel brand that wants to sponsor the Travel Goals Podcast? Email me to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities on Travel Goals.

Make sure to connect with me online as well, I'm @travelgoalspod and @pip_says on Twitter and @pipsays and @travelgoalspodcast on Instagram.

If you love the show and would like to support Travel Goals, I'm a huge fan of vanilla lattes, you can buy me a coffee online so that I can stay well caffeinated for the show.

Enjoy the podcast!