Introduction

Events and other gatherings are among the most visible motives and manifestations of Christian travel and tourism. Events may be held at various scales, including very local, regional, national or international mega-events (Dowson, 2017; Rubio Gil & de Esteban Curiel, 2008), with each one serving a different purpose. Obviously, national and international events are the most likely to attract Christian tourists in the conventional sense, although regional and local events may also attract day-trippers or overnight visitors from around the region. The Zion Christian Church in South Africa, for example, holds an annual Easter weekend celebration that attracts over 1 million participants from throughout the country and in just strictly numerical terms is said to be one of the largest pilgrimages in the world (Saayman et al. , 2014). Religious events on any scale may serve a variety of purposes and aims, including hearing the word of God, fellowshipping, evangelizing, celebrating milestones or important church events, celebrating holidays or fundraising. In the majority of cases, religious events encompass a mix of some or all of these.

It is not possible within the frame of this book to examine all the different types of Christian events that could potentially be discussed. These may include parades, picnics, camps, revivals, crusades and reunions. Instead, this chapter examines several key events and mega-events that are most common and most pertinent for our discussion on travel and tourism. First, the chapter examines the travels of church leaders as a form of pilgrimage and also as a significant pilgrimage attraction for devotees. The popes of the Roman Catholic Church are used as a prime example. Secondly, the chapter looks at national conventions, mission symposia and international conferences where people gather to hear from church leaders, conduct business and make future plans. The role of youth motivational meetings is examined as an important event in the lives of Christian young people in an ever-changing world.