Abstract
Religious and spiritual tourism is undergoing a profound transformation in the post-secular era, no longer confined to traditional notions of pilgrimage or institutionalized faith. This shift reflects broader changes in tourism and leisure practices, where individuals seek experiences that are emotionally meaningful, aesthetically rich, and aligned with personal values. In Europe, these trends intersect with long-term socio-cultural shifts—globalization, digitalization, and the rise of individualized spirituality—reconfiguring how religious heritage and sacred spaces are experienced and interpreted. This paper explores how Generation Z (born 1995–2007), a digitally native and culturally fluid cohort, engages with religious tourism in a way that reflects new ethical orientations and modes of belonging. While traditional religious affiliation among Gen Z is declining, many exhibit openness to spiritual encounters that offer personal growth, inner peace, or social connection. Drawing on recent studies from Poland—a highly religious yet rapidly secularizing context—this study examines how religious travel is used by young people to negotiate identity, authenticity, and emotional fulfillment. It uses the triadic framework of believing, behaving, and belonging to investigate the ways religious tourism serves not only spiritual needs, but also leisure, relational, and aesthetic ones. By situating these practices within contemporary mobility paradigms and post-secular theory, the paper contributes to ongoing debates about the ethics and meaning of tourism in late modernity. It also offers insights for the inclusive and sustainable management of religious heritage, particularly in engaging younger, more pluralistic audiences.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Changing Dimensions of Contemporary Tourism
KEYWORDS
Religiosity, Religious Tourism, Spiritual Tourism, Social Attitudes, Generation Z
