With the rite of opening the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father officially inaugurates the Jubilee Year 24 today, December 2025. This global event is expected to attract over 35 million visitors from around the world and generate an overall economic impact estimated at €16,7 billion, according to Isnart-Unioncamere data. The increase in tourism represents a significant opportunity to promote Italian excellence, particularly food and wine, as highlighted in the 2024 Report on Italian Food and Wine Tourism.
Religious tourism in Italy
Italy remains a global leader in religious tourism, with over three thousand accommodation facilities and a daily capacity of 200 beds. In 2023, 6 million guests and 25 million overnight stays were recorded, with a forecast increase for the 2025 Jubilee. Food and wine tourism, which contributes over €40 billion to the Italian economy, plays a key role in job creation and income distribution, confirming its socioeconomic importance.
The connection between spirituality and gastronomy
The link between religious tourism and food and wine has historical roots.
It might interest you
Tragedy on the Calabrian railway tracks: one person hit, trains delayed up to eight hours
Mother arrested for the murder of her nine-year-old son in Muggia
Sarno, a 34-year-old man shot in the leg on a street in Crotone: he had three kilos of hashish in his car.
A raid at the port of Gioia Tauro seized 175 kilos of cocaine.
Food and wine tours
Various stages of an ideal Jubilee pilgrimage wind through the Italian food and wine heritage. Among these:
- Sacred FlavoursMonasteries and convents that preserve centuries-old traditions offer visits and tastings, such as the Praglia Abbey and the Novacella Abbey, known for its wines.
- Pilgrimage routesWalks such as the Via Francigena and the Cammino di Sant'Antonio offer the opportunity to explore local culinary traditions and the connection to spirituality.
- Villages and cities: Places like Assisi and Loreto combine faith and culinary traditions, promoting typical local products.
- Religious eventsCelebrations such as the Altamura Bread Festival or the Torrone Festival in Cremona show how devotion is intertwined with local products.
To maximize the Jubilee's potential as a catalyst for promoting religious and food and wine tourism, the report edited by Garibaldi suggests enhancing tourism offerings, improving infrastructure, and strengthening communication. "Internationally, there's no shortage of virtuous examples," Garibaldi concludes, citing the Camino de Santiago and its Gastronomic Passport.
Leave a comment