Religious tourism is booming globally, driven by rising spirituality, better infrastructure and immersive experiences, says Oliver Guirdham, CEO and founder of TBRC.
The global religious tourism market continues to grow, reaching USD 190.53 billion in 2025, up from USD 174.98 billion. According to The Business Research Company, this reflects an 8.9 compound annual growth rate, signaling a strong post-pandemic rebound and rising global interest. Looking ahead, the market is projected to reach USD 263.96 billion by 2029, with a continued compound annual growth rate of 8.5. This surge is powered by a combination of rising spirituality, accessible travel infrastructure and supportive government and private sector investments worldwide.
Key drivers fueling religious tourism expansion
The increasing focus on spirituality and wellness is inspiring travelers to seek deeper meaning through sacred destinations and guided religious journeys. Furthermore, government-backed infrastructure upgrades, roads, airports and accommodations are making pilgrimages safer, easier and more appealing to all global travelers. In addition, global marketing campaigns and rising disposable incomes are expanding participation in faith-based tours across regions, generations and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, social media visibility and digital storytelling have enhanced the appeal of spiritual travel experiences to younger millennial and Gen Z audiences.
Regional trends and market segmentation
The Middle East leads the religious tourism market, mainly driven by high-volume pilgrimage destinations such as Mecca and Medina. Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing the fastest growth, supported by rich religious history and improved transport links across major pilgrimage destinations. Additionally, faith-based destinations in Asia, particularly India and Thailand, are attracting millions of domestic and international spiritual seekers every year. Interestingly, travelers aged 20-40 now represent the fastest-growing demographic, drawn by authentic experiences and culturally immersive spiritual retreats.
Emerging industry trends shaping the sector
Importantly, the rise of technology has revolutionized pilgrimage logistics, with platforms like EasyDarshan offering bookings, itineraries and livestreamed rituals online. Furthermore, sustainability is becoming central to religious tourism, with eco-conscious operators designing low-impact itineraries and supporting local community economies. Alongside this, many tour providers now include wellness elements like meditation or nature retreats to enrich the overall spiritual travel experience. Thus, religious tourism is no longer confined to ritual visits but blends purpose, wellness, culture and personalized, mindful experiences.
Global outlook through 2029
Looking forward, we anticipate sustained global demand for spiritual travel that promotes inner balance and cultural exploration. Factors like rising religious curiosity, easier global mobility and tailored digital experiences will further support market growth across every region. In addition, emerging technologies, AR, VR and AI, may reshape sacred tourism by providing virtual tours and enhanced multilingual religious guides. Most importantly, ongoing investment in infrastructure and heritage conservation will help maintain momentum while preserving the sanctity of these destinations.
Religious tourism is evolving into a dynamic, sustainable and wellness-driven sector that offers unique personal and cultural enrichment opportunities. With demand rising and offerings diversifying, stakeholders must prioritize quality, digital transformation and environmental responsibility to remain globally competitive.
