Religious Tourism and Local Development: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study investigates the relationship between religious tourism and territorial development, highlighting the role of places of worship, spiritual itineraries, and local traditions as catalysts for the socioeconomic and cultural regeneration of regions. Religious tourism is characterised by a strong sense of identity and the capacity to activate often-overlooked endogenous resources, including abbeys, sanctuaries, hermitages, and devotional routes. The research aims to examine how these resources contribute to local development, integrating cultural heritage, community involvement, and economic stimulation, while also assessing the potential of religious tourism to strengthen regional cohesion and resilience. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs a bibliometric approach to analyse the evolution of scholarly research on religious tourism and territorial development from 2000 to 2025, using the open-access Dimensions database. Keyword co-occurrence and international collaboration networks are examined to identify thematic trends, methodological shifts, and the emergence of new actors in the field. The analysis highlights changes in the research landscape, including the transition from descriptive and exploratory studies toward more complex, interdisciplinary, and policy-oriented approaches. Additionally, the study explores how global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, TIJT, 34(2): 40-56 ISSN (print): 1974-2207 ISSN (online): 3034-9842 DOI: 10.70732/tijt.v34i1.85 Copyright: Authors (2025) License: CC BY 4.0 Academic Research Paper Religious Tourism and Local Development: A Bibliometric Analysis Salvatore Iannolino 40 Volume 34, Issue 1(2025). Religious Tourism and Local Developmen have influenced research priorities and methodological sophistication. Originality/value - This research provides a longitudinal overview of the field, demonstrating how religious tourism has evolved into a strategic tool for sustainable territorial development. By linking thematic evolution with collaborative network transformation, it identifies emerging research actors, methodological innovations, and key areas for future investigation. The study offers new insights into the intersection of cultural heritage, local economies, and social cohesion, advancing understanding of the field’s global development. Practical implications - Findings show a growing scholarly consensus around the role of religious tourism as a potential lever for local development, heritage enhancement, and community engagement. The study underscores the importance of fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance policymaking and governance. Insights from this research provide an overview of emerging research directions and conceptual frameworks that may inform future academic investigations and policy discussions concerning the role of religious tourism in territorial development.