About the Forum

The International Religious Tourism Forum “Faith, Heritage and Tourism” is an international event for professionals dedicated to religious tourism, pilgrimage routes, heritage and meaningful travel experiences. The Forum brings together tourism professionals, tour operators, institutions, pilgrimage destinations, heritage representatives, regional partners and decision-makers for dialogue on the development of faith-based, cultural and pilgrimage tourism.

 

The event aims to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, encourage new faith-based and cultural tourism products, expand international pilgrimage routes and create long-term partnerships between countries and regions. The Forum provides a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, practical discussions, B2B meetings and new international cooperation initiatives.

​

Why Lithuania?

In 2026, Lithuania was presented as the Guest Destination at the International Religious Tourism Workshop in Fátima, Portugal – one of the important professional gatherings in the field of religious tourism in Europe. This international visibility, together with the partnerships and professional connections established there, became an important impulse to continue cooperation and strengthen Lithuania’s position on the map of pilgrimage and religious tourism.

​

Why Raseiniai and Šiluva?

As a continuation of this international dialogue, the International Religious Tourism Forum “Faith, Heritage and Tourism” will take place in Raseiniai and Šiluva, Lithuania, on 1–2 October 2026. The Raseiniai region, known for its cultural, historical and spiritual traditions, will become a meeting point for international buyers, tourism professionals, institutions, experts and partners from different countries.

​

A special place in this context belongs to Šiluva – one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Lithuania and the Baltic region. Šiluva is especially significant because of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that took place here in 1608. It is one of the earliest Marian apparitions in Europe and is officially recognised by the Catholic Church.

For centuries, Šiluva has been a living centre of faith, pilgrimage and community, welcoming pilgrims and visitors from Lithuania and abroad. This spiritual heritage, together with long-standing religious traditions and pilgrimage infrastructure, provides a strong foundation for presenting Lithuania as an authentic and competitive religious tourism destination.

​

Programme and Opportunities

The conference part of the Forum will be open to all registered participants. Other programme elements, including international B2B meetings, the exhibition and contact fair, and the FAM Tour to Šiluva and other religious tourism sites in the region, will be designed primarily for tourism professionals, international buyers, suppliers, institutions and partners.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, build new professional connections and experience Lithuania’s heritage, pilgrimage infrastructure and local hospitality first-hand.

​

Main Objective

The main objective of the Forum is to strengthen Lithuania’s visibility in religious tourism and pilgrimage, encourage international pilgrimage routes, support new tourism products and create practical cooperation opportunities between tourism professionals, institutions, destinations and partners.

​

The International Religious Tourism Forum in Raseiniai aims to position Lithuania as an active, visible, innovative and trusted destination for religious tourism in Europe and beyond.