Flocking to Pilgrim Routes

[mspath]

After more than a year of pandemic lockdowns, travelers are flocking to pilgrim routes as described by Kerry Walker in this National Geographic Magazine recent article.

 

[SabsP]

After more than a year of pandemic lockdowns, travelers are flocking to pilgrim routes as described by Kerry Walker in this National Geographic Magazine recent article.

Thank you! Excellent read on this rainy day.

 

[VNwalking]

When the Invierno gets a mention in NG, you know it's about to take off. Wonderful article - thank you @mspath !

 

[t2andreo]

The confluence of events caused by the apparent end of the pandemic, with the pent-up demand, and a Holy Year, will serve to get the Camino back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the 2021 season. We are seeing that now in the daily arrival numbers at the Pilgrim Office.

While the daily arrival numbers are fraction of 2019 numbers, they are increasing each week. I predicted earlier that, by the end of the 2021 season, we would be almost back to pre-pandemic arrival patterns.

In 2022, the damn will burst. There is still a lot of pent-up demand and the Holy Year was extended by the Pope to encompass all of 2022.

Here they come!

Tom

 

[wisepilgrim]

The confluence of events caused by the apparent end of the pandemic, with the pent-up demand, and a Holy Year, will serve to get the Camino back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the 2021 season. We are seeing that now in the daily arrival numbers at the Pilgrim Office.

While the daily arrival numbers are fraction of 2019 numbers, they are increasing each week. I predicted earlier that, by the end of the 2021 season, we would be almost back to pre-pandemic arrival patterns.

In 2022, the damn will burst. There is still a lot of pent-up demand and the Holy Year was extended by the Pope to encompass all of 2022.

Here they come!

Tom

The pilgrim office is hoping for 100,000 pilgrims this year. And that is a far cry from normal. I also expect that you will see by the end of the year that the percentage of national vs. international pilgrims will have shifted tremendously towards the former.

There is a whole world of international travelers still unable to leave their own countries, and plenty here in Europe that are in a constant state of change when it comes to accommodating international visitors. Flock they may, but they are not right now.

 

[trecile]

The confluence of events caused by the apparent end of the pandemic,

I think that declaring the pandemic to be at the end is a bit premature!
I believe that the end is in sight, but it isn't here yet.

 

[t2andreo]

I did use the word "apparent" in an effort to qualify the statement about the pandemic being over. I know the pandemic is not yet 'over.'

Also, I know how hard Spain is working to vaccinate and protect all its people. I am also aware that some countries' are not allowing their people to travel yet.

Yet, they are coming back to the Camino. The monthly arrival curve for this year - 2021 is going to be skewed later in the year. The peak is likely to be August - COVID permitting. But, I predict September, October and even early November will be as busy as in 2019.

 

[Old Bamboo]

It's all so frustrating. We're still under restrictions here and unable to travel to other countries. I am so antsy to get back on a camino, any camino, it's unbelievable.

 

[LTfit]

I predict September, October and even early November will be as busy as in 2019.

Given the rising infection rates especially in Spain and Portugal and new regulations popping up, this would really surprise me.

 

[t2andreo]

This entire situation is dynamic and can change. It is beyond our individual control. We just have to remain flexible and hopeful.

I have plans to work as a volunteer for a few weeks at the Pilgrim Office at Santiago in September. All my plans are made. If Spain pulls up the proverbial drawbridge again, Iberia will refund my airfare - again.

But try I will - again and again.

Tom