How has Galicia experienced the impact of the pilgrims this year?

The study by the research group GAME-IDEGA reveals the significant economic and social impact of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia. It contributes significantly to the local economy, especially in rural areas, promoting employment, sustainable tourism, and environmental preservation. Growth expectations are positive, with a strong trend of returning pilgrims as tourists.

One of the conclusions drawn from the IV Forum of the Camino de Santiago, Fairway, which took place from November 7 to 9, 2021, in Santiago de Compostela and to which we attended, was the enormous economic impact that the Camino de Santiago and the pilgrims have in Galicia.

The reflections arising from a recent study by a research group of experts, one of the hot topics at the Camino de Santiago fair and in the media in recent weeks, reveal results that are hopeful for the future of the Camino de Santiago and tourism in the affected territories, particularly in Galicia and see the French Way route. Let us learn a little more about this study that discusses the very positive economic impact that the Camino de Santiago has in Galicia.

Research Experts on the Camino de Santiago

The research group GAME-IDEGA, established in 2002, is a multidisciplinary group of experts, including economists, sociologists, historians, mathematicians, engineers, among others, that belongs to IDEGA, which in turn is part of the University of Santiago de Compostela. The objective of this group is to research, develop, and implement models to better understand the current economic environment.

This group has conducted a study on the economic and social impact of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia in recent months, and its results, very positive and hopeful, considering the direct consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, were presented at a round table during the Fairway event.

"The Camino can be the best territorial balance policy that Galicia has"

This is how Melchor Fernández, the coordinator of the group in this study, expresses himself. According to his research, there is a direct relationship between the passage of pilgrims through rural areas and the demographic sustainability of those places. While it is well known that rural areas have been experiencing population abandonment in recent years, in the areas where the Jacobean routes pass, this reality is not the same: in a field study in Melide and Pedrafita, in the heart of the French Way, and simply by asking the locals, they stated that the Camino de Santiago greatly helps to maintain the population in these villages.

"You only have to come in winter to see that this is empty. In summer, you see the bars, restaurants, and streets full of pilgrims. The Camino is essential for the village"

This is Maricarmen, the manager of a shelter in O Cádavo (Baleira), a municipality on the Primitive Way at risk of depopulation. "I just attended to a gentleman who called from Germany to reserve a spot for June 2022. Ten years ago, this was unthinkable", she adds.

Applying a scientific model that studies what the demographic evolution of the municipalities on the French Way would be if it did not pass through their territories, Melchor states that between 2010 and 2021 "they would have lost between 10% and 30% more of the population than they have lost".

More data and positive growth trend

The positive impact that the Camino de Santiago has on the entire social and economic spectrum of the territories it passes through is manifested in economic data such as tourist spending. Compared to that of an average national tourist, that is, a non-pilgrim, each pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela "represents the same economic impact as 2.3 national tourists", as Melchor comments. Furthermore, the Jacobean pilgrim contributes 3.6% of the tourist spending in Galicia, and every euro spent translates into job creation, around 18% more.

This tourist spending focuses on accommodation and food, which are very important elements within the budget that each pilgrim has for organizing their journey. However, 61% of the spending is focused on eating and drinking, compared to only 26% in the case of a non-pilgrim tourist. Additionally, and as a very positive element for the social and economic sustainability of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims prefer to eat local products, from "kilometer 0", which positively impacts the economy of rural areas.

We can also talk about environmental sustainability, as the local population generally has no complaints regarding waste generation and environmental conservation. Moreover, they believe that the Jacobean routes in Galicia help in preserving the landscape and do not generate problems regarding waste management or environmental pollution.

Very Encouraging Conclusions

All of this demonstrates that the Camino de Santiago is a significant tourist and economic engine. Nava Castro, the director of Turismo de Galicia, expresses this by stating that "in light of the initial conclusions, we will be even more aware of the relevance of the Camino de Santiago for all Galicians living nearby".

The role of the pilgrim regarding the economic and tourism trend in Galicia does not end when they arrive in Santiago de Compostela and finish their journey, but rather, according to another conclusion from the study, eight out of ten pilgrims will return to Galicia as regular tourists, perhaps to experience it in a different way, which represents a potential expenditure and a very positive future impact for the Galician economy.

Moreover, these pilgrims are excellent advocates, as word-of-mouth (or "word-of-ear") works very well, since 100% of pilgrims recommend their family and friends to embark on the pilgrimage adventure. What’s more, 36% of these pilgrims are repeat visitors.

We have great news!

Indeed, this is the reality, and it is very positive. With an increase in pilgrims over the last decade, breaking records year after year, such as in the past year 2019, with more than 340,000 walkers, the latest maximum influx data of pilgrims, the expectations are very good. This year the Xunta de Galicia estimates that the arrival of pilgrims will be around 170,000 souls, even more, and for the next Holy Year 2022, records may be surpassed.

We will continue in this whirlwind of pilgrims, the "great avalanche" referred to by Elías Valiña decades ago, which continues to grow. This growth is beneficial for the economy of those who live off the Camino de Santiago, in rural settings like Portuguese Way from Tui that offer much more than products and services: the landscapes, the trails, the heritage, and above all, the people who inhabit the Camino de Santiago, are the great value that explains this hopeful trend.

We believe in the Camino de Santiago, and we also want to be your hosts in Galicia, offering all the best that the Jacobean routes have to offer. We want to continue contributing and collaborating in the economic development of Galicia and its charming rural surroundings, that deep Galicia that must remain alive to preserve the essence of the Camino de Santiago.