Spiritual Travel
The beautiful spiritual sites of Assisi draw in record number of pilgrims in 2024

The number of pilgrims in the city of Assisi continues to rise every year. This is confirmed by the annual count carried out by the Basilica of St. Francis. Last year, 4,483 people passed through the temple, where the saint is buried, which is 256 more than in 2023.
FRIAR RAFAEL NORMANDO
Coordinator, Statio Peregrinorum
In the 2024 statistics we had some growth. I think since 2015 we have always grown to this day. We have never had a year that there was no growth in pilgrims.
Almost half of them are Italians, although the number has decreased in recent years, followed by Germans, Americans and French. Of course, pilgrims from other parts of the world have also come to the basilica.
RAFAEL NORMANDO
Coordinator, Statio Peregrinorum
However, they received a few pilgrims from some places that were a bit peculiar. They received a Chinese, they received one from Ukraine as well, and even a pilgrim from Zimbabwe came to do the Francis Way.
The basilica where St. Francis is buried is not the only wonderful spiritual attraction that lies in Assisi. The small towns also holds the incorrupt body of Carlo Acutis, who will become a Saint on April 27th.
Pope Francis has visited Assisi on several occasions. For example, in 2016 he was praying at the place where the Franciscan movement began.
JH
Spiritual Travel
Rs 1,000 cr plan to develop Merta as Religious Tourism Hub:Diya
Spiritual Travel
4 Indian-Origin Senior Citizens Missing In US During Road Trip To Spiritual Site, Last Seen At Burger King

4 Indian-Origin Senior Citizens Missing In US During Road Trip To Spiritual Site, Last Seen At Burger King | X/@rtonline
New York: A family of four Indian-origin senior citizens from New York has gone missing under mysterious circumstances while travelling to a spiritual destination in West Virginia.
According to police, the group was last seen at a Burger King outlet in Pennsylvania on July 29, and their whereabouts remain unknown as the search operation intensifies.
Last Seen on CCTV, Vehicle Spotted on Interstate
The missing family members have been identified as Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84). They were travelling from Buffalo to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in Marshall County, West Virginia, in a 2009 lime green Toyota Camry with New York licence plate EKW2611.
Surveillance footage from the Burger King shows two members of the group entering the restaurant, and their last known credit card transaction was traced to the same location. Shortly after, a Pennsylvania State Police licence plate reader detected the vehicle heading southbound on Interstate 79 at 2:45 pm on Tuesday, officials confirmed.
“The family was headed to Pittsburgh and then on to Moundsville, West Virginia,” Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty told NDTV, adding that while investigators have “a few leads,” there has been no contact or confirmed sighting since.
Search Widens, Community Appeals for Help
Law enforcement teams from Marshall and Ohio counties in West Virginia have been searching local roads for any sign of the vehicle. Helicopters are being deployed to aid in the search effort, and the vehicle details have been entered into the National Crime Information Center database.
The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a nonprofit organisation based in Williamsville, has also raised awareness. “Two couples who were travelling are currently missing, and we’re all deeply concerned,” CHAI President Sibu Nair said, as quoted by NDTV.
Authorities are also attempting to trace the group’s cell phone signals and have urged the public to report any information. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 304-843-5422.
Spiritual Travel
Discover The Spiritual Wonders Of Uttar Pradesh At Busan Expo

Sunday, August 3, 2025
In a significant development for India’s spiritual tourism, Uttar Pradesh Tourism will showcase its rich Buddhist heritage at the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025. This event will take place from August 7 to 10 at BEXCO in Busan, South Korea. The expo, one of the largest Buddhist gatherings in Asia, allows countries with strong Buddhist traditions to share their spiritual histories. Uttar Pradesh, home to some of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, will use this chance to express India’s deep spiritual and cultural bond with Korea and a wider global audience.
The pavilion from Uttar Pradesh will be opened by senior officials from the Embassy of India in South Korea, making this a vital diplomatic and cultural event. The exhibition will honor the centuries-old connection between India and Korea, which began with Lord Buddha’s teachings and the legendary journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea.
Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Legacy: A Spiritual Showcase
Uttar Pradesh is known for its link to Lord Buddha, especially in cities like Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kaushambi. These sacred places hold great religious and archaeological importance and attract millions of Buddhist pilgrims each year. The state takes pride in being where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath and where he reached Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, making it a top pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.
At the Busan Expo, Uttar Pradesh Tourism will highlight these sacred destinations. Each section of the pavilion will offer an engaging, interactive experience. Visitors can participate in virtual pilgrimages, view 3D storytelling, and explore authentic cultural items that showcase the state’s rich Buddhist history. These experiences aim to create a meaningful connection for the global audience, especially for those interested in spiritual exploration and cultural heritage.
Jaiveer Singh, the UP Minister of Tourism and Culture, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “Uttar Pradesh is not just the land of temples and traditions. It is the land where the Buddha gave the world his first sermon and where his journey of peace concluded. Through this global platform, we will invite the world to rediscover India through the path of Dhamma.”
Connecting India and Korea: A Shared Spiritual Journey
The relationship between India and South Korea has deep roots, particularly in Buddhism. The legendary journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea reflects the long-standing bond between the two nations. This historical connection is also seen in the ongoing exchange of spiritual practices and ideas between both cultures. The participation of Uttar Pradesh Tourism at the Busan Expo aims to highlight this important relationship while reinforcing India’s role in Buddhist diplomacy.
Through this exhibition, the state seeks to promote spiritual tourism not only as part of India’s cultural outreach but also as a way to foster international understanding and peace. The UP pavilion at the Expo will bridge India and Korea while showcasing Uttar Pradesh as a key spiritual destination for international travelers.
The Pavilion: Immersive Experiences and Interactive Learning
The Uttar Pradesh pavilion will be an engaging space designed to immerse visitors in the region’s rich Buddhist history. Using modern technology like virtual pilgrimages and 3D storytelling, the pavilion will provide a deep dive into the sacred sites of Uttar Pradesh. These interactive experiences will allow visitors to learn about the Buddha’s life, his teachings, and the historical importance of the Buddhist Circuit in India.
Visitors will also have the chance to explore cultural items from Uttar Pradesh, giving them a deeper appreciation of the region’s heritage. The pavilion will offer travel advice for Korean and international visitors interested in exploring the Buddhist Circuit, providing insights on logistics, accommodation, and spiritual experiences at these sacred sites.
Fostering Global Interest in Spiritual Tourism
The theme for the 2025 Busan Expo, ‘Find Your Enlightenment (with the Eightfold Path),’ resonates with audiences worldwide, especially young people from the West who are increasingly drawn to mindfulness and spiritual journeys. Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s participation will align with this theme by offering immersive storytelling and spiritual exploration to enrich the experience for both traditional and modern travelers.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism, remarked, “By showcasing our rich Buddhist legacy internationally and engagingly, we aim to strengthen India’s cultural outreach and make spiritual tourism more relevant to today’s generation.”
This platform also corresponds with South Korea’s growing interest in spiritual and wellness tourism. As South Korea continues to grow as a leading travel market, Uttar Pradesh’s presence at the Expo will help position the state as a top choice for mindful travelers and cultural explorers.
The Bigger Picture: Promoting the Buddhist Circuit as a World-Class Tourism Offering
Uttar Pradesh’s participation in the Busan International Buddhism Expo is part of a broader effort to promote the Buddhist Circuit as a top tourism offering. The state is making great progress in modernizing infrastructure, improving digital storytelling, and building strong international partnerships to make its Buddhist heritage accessible to a global audience.
These efforts will not only attract tourists from Korea but will also appeal to international travelers seeking to explore the spiritual heart of India. The integration of modern technologies with the promotion of cultural heritage will create a meaningful experience that is both spiritually enriching and easy to navigate for visitors.
Conclusion: Uttar Pradesh as a Global Spiritual Hub
Uttar Pradesh’s presence at the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025 marks a key step in the state’s efforts to globalize its Buddhist heritage and promote spiritual tourism. With its rich cultural history, famous sacred sites, and strong ties to South Korea, Uttar Pradesh is well-equipped to attract travelers looking for spiritual fulfillment and cultural exploration.
As the Expo draws visitors from around the world, the UP Tourism pavilion will be a beacon for those wishing to follow the path of the Buddha and discover India’s spiritual legacy. Through its interactive experiences and meaningful connections, Uttar Pradesh is inviting people not just to visit but to experience the deep spiritual essence that has made it a global center for Buddhist tourism.
(Source: Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Busan International Buddhism Expo, India-Korea cultural ties, Buddhist Circuit, spiritual tourism, UP Minister of Tourism and Culture)
-
Brand Stories2 weeks ago
Bloom Hotels: A Modern Vision of Hospitality Redefining Travel
-
Brand Stories1 week ago
CheQin.ai sets a new standard for hotel booking with its AI capabilities: empowering travellers to bargain, choose the best, and book with clarity.
-
Destinations & Things To Do2 weeks ago
Untouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit
-
Destinations & Things To Do1 week ago
This Hidden Beach in India Glows at Night-But Only in One Secret Season
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago
AI Travel Revolution: Must-Have Guide to the Best Experience
-
Brand Stories1 month ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Brand Stories3 weeks ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Asia Travel Pulse1 month ago
Looking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel1 month ago
‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Brand Stories1 month ago
ChatGPT — the last of the great romantics