Analysis of the Pilgrim Profile in Spain: Two Case Studies

Abstract

Over the years, Christians participating in pilgrimages have evolved. And currently, the number of religious tourists is growing. The question is, are these religious tourists similar in all the destinations, or do they differ depending on the characteristics of each pilgrimage? This paper compares the characteristics, behaviour, motivation and satisfaction of participants in Saint James Way vs. participants in El Rocío pilgrimage, the two most important pilgrimages in Spain. Both profiles are especially determined by the characteristics of each pilgrimage. However, similarities are detected: the more religiously motivated tourists are more loyal to the pilgrimage and are also more satisfied.