When the war began in October 2023, “we stopped the surveys,” Ergas explained, resulting in a lack of useful data on religious tourism since that time.
“Recovery is not expected until late 2025,” he added.
Additional statistics, particularly concerning Christian pilgrims, were shared with CNA by the Christian Information Centre (CIC), which is supported by the Custody of the Holy Land. For over 50 years, CIC has been providing information about Christianity and the Holy Land, including details on shrines, holy places, and liturgies. It is also the sole official channel for booking Masses at these sacred sites.
Between October and December 2023, approximately 2,800 groups (totaling 107,000 individuals) had booked at least one celebration through the CIC, all of which were canceled following the outbreak of the war. Of these bookings, 95% were made by Catholics, and 4% by Protestants. Ninety percent were…
