More Filipinos Head to Europe for Pilgrimage and More

Why More Filipinos Are Traveling to Europe for Pilgrimage and More in 2025

As the Holy Year of Jubilee approaches in 2025, thousands of Filipino travelers are setting their sights on Europe for religious pilgrimages and beyond. With the Holy Land still closed and visa delays for Japan, Filipinos are shifting their travel plans to sacred sites in Italy, Spain, France, and beyond.

But it’s not just about faith—Filipino travelers are also embracing Europe’s cultural, historical, and leisure experiences, from river cruises to shopping in Paris. Let’s explore why Europe is becoming the top travel destination for Filipinos in 2025.

1. The Holy Year of Jubilee: A Spiritual Pilgrimage The Holy Year of Jubilee, which takes place every 25 years, is a significant event in the Catholic Church, offering pilgrims the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences. Many Filipinos are making their way to Rome, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, and other Jubilee churches across Europe.

   
   

   Travel demand is so strong that many hotels in Rome are already fully booked, according to travel experts. Pilgrimage tours focused on Italy, Spain, and France are becoming increasingly popular.
   

2. The Rise of Marian Pilgrimages
   

   Religious travel for Filipinos goes beyond Rome. Marian apparition sites are also drawing large numbers of travelers. Some of the most visited spots include:

   
   

   1. Lourdes, France – Famous for the Marian apparitions to St. Bernadette.

   2. Fatima, Portugal – A significant pilgrimage site for Catholics.

   3. Santiago de Compostela, Spain – A major pilgrimage route known as the Camino de Santiago.

   Many Filipino pilgrims extend their trips to Paris for sightseeing and shopping, blending spiritual journeys with leisure travel.
   

3. Europe as the New Travel Hotspot for Filipinos Beyond religious tourism, more Filipinos are venturing into new European destinations. According to Miki Travel, the Philippines has become one of the fastest-growing outbound markets for Europe, surpassing even Singapore.
   

   Popular trends among Filipino travelers include:
   

   ✅ Family Vacations – Multi-generational families exploring historical and cultural sites. ✅ River Cruises – Discovering Europe’s scenic waterways in countries like Austria and Germany. ✅ Emerging Destinations – The Balkans and Nordic countries are attracting more adventurous Filipino travelers.
   

4. Why Filipinos Are Choosing Europe Over Other Destinations
   

   Several factors have contributed to this shift:
   

   🔹 Holy Land Restrictions – Popular pilgrimage destinations like Israel remain inaccessible.

   🔹 Japan Visa Delays – The longer visa processing time has pushed travelers to explore alternative destinations.

   🔹 Stronger Philippine Travel Market – Filipinos are increasingly looking for premium and unique travel experiences abroad.
   

   With pilgrimage tours fully booked for April and October 2025, the demand for Europe-bound travel shows no signs of slowing down.

Plan Your European Pilgrimage Today!

Whether you’re embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage or exploring the cultural wonders of Europe, 2025 is the perfect year to visit. Secure your travel plans early and experience the beauty and history of Europe like never before.