Religious Tourist Attractions and Ecological Concerns in the Italian Dolomites: The Case of the Trekking of the Thinking Christ

A religious attraction, the Trekking of the Thinking Christ, has successfully integrated into the Dolomites' mountain tourism landscape while raising ecological concerns. This case study demonstrates how such attractions can redefine tourist spots near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blending spiritual significance with environmental sensitivity. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the social dynamics behind the creation and reinvention of religious places outside traditional liturgical contexts. It highlights the tension between the growing demand for non-liturgical religious experiences and the preservation needs of fragile ecosystems, offering insights into sustainable tourism practices in protected areas.

Rech, G. (2022). Religious Tourist Attractions and Ecological Concerns in the Italian Dolomites: The Case of the Trekking of the Thinking Christ. Sustainability, 14(24), 16331. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416331