Enhancing the Fátima Walking Routes Inspires a New National Training Initiative
The online training programme “Caminhos de Fátima” (Fátima Walking Routes) is organised by Turismo de Portugal, the Centro Nacional de Cultura, and the Associação Caminhos de Fátima, in collaboration with the Regional Tourism Boards of Porto and North, Centre, Lisbon Region, and Alentejo and Ribatejo.
The Fátima Walking Routes are among Portugal’s main pilgrimage paths, travelled every year by thousands of people in search of a spiritual experience, a journey of faith, or a moment of introspection and connection with nature.
This network of spiritual and cultural routes connects various parts of the country to the Sanctuary of Fátima, offering opportunities for reflection and discovery of the surrounding landscapes. Beyond their symbolic and religious significance, the Routes also represent a valuable opportunity to enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the regions they traverse, contributing to local development and the diversification of Portugal’s national tourism offer.
Within this context, the initiative proposes an integrated vision of the Fátima Walking Routes, combining culture, spirituality, and territorial enhancement as a strategic element to strengthen the attractiveness and sustainability of tourist destinations.
Objectives
- Promote understanding of the tourism and spiritual potential of the Fátima Routes;
- Build the capacity of professionals in tourism, culture, and related businesses for the management and promotion of these routes;
- Encourage cooperation among managing bodies to ensure the preservation and revitalisation of the Fátima Routes;
- Foster the involvement of tourism stakeholders in developing services and programmes along these routes;
- Explore strategies for heritage enhancement, territorial integration, and national and international promotion;
- Share experiences and best practices to strengthen collaboration between entities and territories.
Target Audience
- Tourism and culture professionals from local authorities;
- Tourism companies and operators;
- Other organisations involved in the promotion of territories and pilgrimage-related projects.
Participation is free of charge but subject to mandatory registration.
Schedule
The training programme consists of three online sessions, held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on the following dates:
- “Fátima Walking Routes: A Project of Culture and Spirituality” – 17 November
- “Cultural and Religious Heritage along the Fátima Walking Routes” – 18 November
- “Diversifying the Experience and Promoting the Routes” – 24 November
Participation in this initiative allows professionals to deepen their understanding of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Fátima Walking Routes and to gain technical and strategic knowledge related to religious and cultural tourism.
Participants will also have the opportunity to understand the profile of pilgrims, identify opportunities for territorial promotion, and integrate best practices in route management. This training fosters reflection on the transformative role of the Fátima Walking Routes and on how they can strengthen both the visibility and the sustainability of the regions involved.
