Religious tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the tourism sector, catering to travelers seeking authentic cultural and spiritual experiences. IWRT brings together professionals from around the world – tour operators, representatives of pilgrimage destinations, church institutions, tourism organizations, and entrepreneurs.
The workshops aim to create a space for business networking, knowledge exchange, and the joint development of religious tourism products. This year’s edition includes workshops in Fátima, aimed at tour operators working in Catholic and spiritual tourism, and workshops in Guarda, focusing on Jewish heritage tourism. In addition to B2B meetings, participants can attend the opening conference, discussion panels, and expert presentations covering new trends and challenges in religious tourism.
IWRT 2026 is organized by ACISO – Associação Empresarial Ourém-Fátima, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ourém, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, and with the support of numerous public and private institutions in the tourism sector. The workshops in Guarda are organized in partnership with the Municipality of Guarda.
This year, around 130 international tour operators from 40 countries will participate, providing an excellent opportunity to establish partnerships and expand business in international markets. The conference program includes expert presentations and panel discussions, and the event also offers a perfect platform for promoting destinations, products, and services to an international professional audience.
The guest country of IWRT 2026 will be Lithuania, which is gaining increasing international recognition as a center for religious tourism, spirituality, and faith heritage. Lithuania’s official presentation will take place during the opening session at the Paulo VI Pastoral Center in Fátima, with the participation of government authorities, church representatives, tour operators, and media from several countries. Lithuania, known as the “Land of Hope, Mercy, and Living Faith”, offers a unique combination of landscapes, culture, and spirituality. Its main pilgrimage sites include Šiluva, the Hill of Crosses, the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, the Gate of Dawn, and the Pažaislis Monastery. The country is also known for its numerous pilgrimage routes and traditional religious celebrations. Lithuania’s selection as the guest country highlights IWRT’s international character and its mission to foster collaboration among religious tourism destinations.
Representatives of Shrines of Europe, an association uniting Europe’s most important sanctuaries, will also be present at IWRT 2026. During industry meetings, they will present their offerings and cooperation opportunities, supporting the development of religious tourism across Europe. We are delighted that Shrines of Europe is part of this event, contributing with us to the growth and professionalization of the spiritual tourism sector.
