The Way of Sant James

• Xacobeo Manager Rafael Sánchez took part in the 20th Annual Gathering of Pilgrims, held in Georgia, where he presented the Galician management model for the Way of St. James
• At the event, he highlighted the important role played by American Pilgrims on the Camino in serving as volunteer hospitaleros at the Ribadiso hostel, on the French Route
• The United States ranked third among international markets in number of pilgrims earning the Compostela in 2016

Santiago, 25 March 2017

Turismo de Galicia recently strengthened ties with Way of St. James associations in the United States, with the participation of Xacobeo Manager Rafael Sánchez in the 20th Annual Gathering of Pilgrims. The event, held in Georgia, brought together more than 200 pilgrims with an interest in the Jacobean phenomenon.

This gathering consolidated the relationship with American Pilgrims on the Camino, the event organizer. Each year, this American association participates in the volunteer hospitalero programme, assisting at the Ribadiso hostel between the months of May and October.

Xacobeo's manager took advantage of the opportunity to thank the members of its board for the important role they play in providing better support for pilgrims, especially those from abroad, at this iconic hostel on the French Route.

Rafael Sánchez also spoke to those in attendance about the courses of action undertaken by Galicia in its management of the Way of St. James. He focused especially on areas such as the Public Hostel Network in Galicia, as well as signage along the pilgrimage route, among other aspects.

During his visit to Georgia, Xacobeo's manager also attended meetings with representatives of several American universities which promote the Way of St. James among their students and conduct research around the pilgrimage route.

Rafael Sánchez met with representatives of The College of William & Mary, in Virginia; Lander University, in Greenwood, South Carolina; and Virginia Tech. There, he discussed the Way of St. James and Pilgrimages Department – a joint initiative of Turismo de Galicia, the University of Santiago and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral – and issued an invitation to participate.

Ranked third among international markets in number of pilgrims

With this visit, Turismo de Galicia continued its efforts to promote the Camino in the United States, a country which accounted for over 15,000 pilgrims in 2016, making it the number three international market, behind only Italy and Germany.