Exploring sustainable development through the example of the Csíksomlyó Shrine

Abstract

Csiksomlyo, as a fundamental place for Szeklerland’s sacred practice has a history of hundreds of years, and also became one of the most important shrine area for the Hungarian nation. The Csiksomlyo Pilgrimage is a tradition that also has a history hundreds of years long, and one of the examples stressing the importance of religious tourism known by many even today. On a regional scale, the shrine of Csiksomlyo also became one of the most well-known brand, which offers its services – beyond spiritual pleasures – to approximately 250.000 visitors each year. The goal of this study is to research the story, touristic importance and ever-changing role of the Csiksomlyo Pilgrimage, mainly from the perspective of the Csiksomlyo Pilgrimage being a touristic product, what phase of its life cycle it is currently, what way it’s developing right now, and what future it’s heading towards. According to the studies, the farewell to Csiksomlyo is currently in the phase of development and consolidation. The increase in the number of visitors is still significant, but it is slowing down. The number of visitors is many times higher than the local population. More and more businesses are built on tourism, but there are many unexplored opportunities in the destination that the region seems to be responding to. The farewell product range is steady, its composition is stagnant, but all stakeholders agree that it is necessary to develop the tourism infrastructure for renewal, which would primarily be a summary of available capacities and the tourism stakeholders.