The Way of Sant James

• The number of Italian travellers increased for the fifth consecutive year and this nationality now ranks third in terms of foreign visitors to our community
• It is also the foreign country with the most pilgrims, 24,149 in 2016, up 8.7% on 2015
  
  

The Way of St. James is one of the main attractions at the Koiné religious tourism fair, taking place today through the 14th in the Italian city of Vicenza.

In order to promote the values of the Way of St. James in the tourism market, Turismo de Galicia set up its own space in which to present the different pilgrimage routes to Compostela, the hostel network and other pilgrim support services, as well as the culture and heritage of the Autonomous Community of Galicia.

The tourism arm of the Xunta de Galicia will hold several meetings with specialized tourist operators at this trade show, which is open to both tourism professionals and the general public. It is also an opportunity to promote the Way of St. James to the other attendees.

Italian pilgrims

Italy is one of the most important international markets for Galicia, primarily in terms of the Way of St. James.

Last year, 24,149 Italian pilgrims obtained the Compostela, 8.7% more than in 2015.

These numbers made Italy the number one foreign country sending pilgrims to the Way of St. James in 2015 and 2016.

Tourism demand

In addition, with almost 150,000 overnight travellers and 215,000 overnight stays at Galician tourist establishments, the Italian market ranks third in importance within the community, behind Portugal and Germany, accounting for 9.4% of all international tourism in 2016.

Last year, the Italian market reported a 5.1% increase in the number of overnight visitors to Galicia and 4.1% in overnight stays, compared to 2015.

2016 was the fifth consecutive year of increases in Italian tourism in Galicia, going from 130,000 nights in 2012 to almost 215,000 in 2016.