The Marian Paths of Portugal and Local Development

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the contribution of Marian Paths to the development of individual sites. The theoretical framework of the work is an empirical study which uses databases such as Science Direct, Emerald, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases to identify suitable themes for empirical evidence (2015-2021) on pilgrimage paths and local development. Based on this, 19 interviews were undertaken to develop an understanding of developments, particularly in the area of Fátima, Portugal. The contents of the interviews were analysed using NVivo. This article concludes that there is no management model implemented on the Portuguese Marian paths, more specifically the paths of Fátima. However, efforts are being made to implement a development, upgrading, and promotion strategy for paths in the area. This study allows us to identify opportunities for local communities and for a sustainable management model for the paths of Fátima. The originality of the research lies in the fact that there are still no studies on the subject, mainly due to the lack of a management model for Marian paths.

Keywords

• portugal
• fatima
• local development