Kick-Off Meeting – LOGOS University College, Tirana, Albania

The SacredTravels4Growth project officially commenced with its Kick-Off Meeting, hosted by LOGOS University College in Tirana, Albania, from 15–19 December 2025. The meeting brought together consortium partners from universities and organisations across Europe, Asia, and Africa to establish a shared vision for the project and strengthen international collaboration in sacred and religious tourism.

The programme included the official opening of the project, presentations by consortium partners, networking and institutional exchanges, and discussions on the project’s objectives, structure, and long-term vision. Opening addresses by Prof. Dr. Ilia Ninka, Rector of LOGOS University College, and Mr. Dimitrios Moschos, Project Officer at EACEA, emphasised the importance of international cooperation and the project’s anticipated academic and cultural impact. Participants also explored key tourism sites in Tirana and attended a church concert by the St John Koukouzeles Choir of the Logos Foundation, conducted by Theodor Peci.

The study visit further demonstrated the importance of understanding religious tourism through its unique local cultural and historical contexts rather than simply replicating established European models. A highlight of the programme was a visit to the Central State Archive of Albania, where participants explored religious travel and historic manuscripts, gaining insight into the country’s rich religious heritage and the role of documentary resources in preserving and interpreting sacred journeys.

The Albanian visit provided an important foundation for the SacredTravels4Growth project by demonstrating how sacred heritage, religious traditions, historical narratives, and tourism can be connected to create meaningful visitor experiences. These lessons are particularly relevant to South Africa, where the development of religious tourism should draw on international experience while developing distinctly African approaches rooted in local communities, diverse faith traditions, Indigenous knowledge, sacred landscapes, heritage, and sustainable tourism.