SacredTravels4Growth

The project focuses on strengthening higher education capacities in the field of religious tourism and its role in sustainable regional development. By integrating modern approaches to pilgrimage studies, cultural heritage, and tourism management, the project aims to update university curricula and better align them with labour market needs. It also promotes inclusive, accessible, and diverse tourism practices while fostering cooperation between universities, research institutions, and industry partners across different regions. Through training activities, educational resources, and the development of innovative learning tools such as MOOCs, the project supports the creation of a skilled workforce capable of promoting religious tourism as a driver of sustainable economic and social growth.

The project contributes significantly to the development of scientific research in the fields of religious tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable regional development. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it connects tourism studies with social sciences, geography, cultural studies, and educational sciences. The project encourages the development of new research methods, knowledge exchange among universities, and the strengthening of international scientific cooperation. A particular focus is placed on transferring research results into higher education curricula and on developing innovative educational tools. In this way, the project advances scientific knowledge on religious tourism and supports the emergence of new research directions that contribute to sustainable social and economic development.

The project holds significant potential for Slovenia by contributing to the development of research and education in the fields of sustainable tourism, cultural and religious heritage, and regional development. Through the participation of Slovenian research and educational institutions, the project enables knowledge exchange with international partners and integrates Slovenian researchers and students into global academic networks. The project outcomes may support a better understanding and valorisation of Slovenia’s cultural and religious heritage while contributing to the development of sustainable tourism products and regional development strategies. In this way, the project strengthens Slovenia’s visibility in the international research community and supports knowledge development that can contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and social development.