As 2025 rolls, Italy is poised to welcome millions of visitors from around the globe, drawn by the Catholic Church’s once-in-a-quarter-century tradition: the Holy Year, or Jubilee. This year, the Jubilee will carry the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” inviting both spiritual and secular travelers to partake in a unique journey of faith, history, and culture.
The Jubilee tradition, dating back to 1300, is a deeply spiritual observance for Catholics, offering a time of reflection, renewal, and pilgrimage. This Holy Year began on Christmas Day in 2025 and will conclude on Epiphany, January 6, 2026. Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, is the central destination, with pilgrims flocking to holy sites, most notably the Vatican. But the significance of the Jubilee goes beyond religious practices, with travelers from all walks of life eager to experience its profound impact.
A Surge in Demand for Jubilee Tours
Tour operators have seen an overwhelming surge in demand for Italy-based tours, especially those focused on the Jubilee celebrations. David Welch, Vice President of Business Development at ETS Tours, shared that their Jubilee-related travel bookings have skyrocketed. “In 2024, Italy pilgrimages accounted for just 9% of our total business, but for 2025, it is nearly 20% of our sales volume,” Welch noted. The company has experienced a 43% increase in bookings for Italy from 2024 to 2025, an indication of just how eager travelers are to embrace the spiritual and cultural journey that the Jubilee offers.
ETS Tours is offering unique itineraries designed to allow both pilgrims and secular tourists to explore the Vatican and the city of Rome, with some itineraries even venturing beyond the city. “The interest is twofold,” Welch explained. “It’s intellectual for some, but for many, it’s a heart-driven pursuit. People are searching for that transformative ‘aha!’ moment.”
Expanding the Experience Beyond Rome
While the core of the Jubilee festivities takes place in Rome, many travelers are also keen to explore other parts of Italy and beyond. Welch noted that ETS Tours has crafted itineraries that include spiritual pilgrimages through countries like Croatia and Poland, with an option to add a visit to Rome. “Combining less-traveled spiritual locations with the Jubilee celebrations at the Vatican offers something truly unique,” he said, emphasizing the appeal of blending multiple sacred sites into one unforgettable journey.
The faith-based tourism market is thriving, with projections showing substantial growth. According to the Religious Tourism Market Report 2024, the market is expected to grow annually, reaching $243.5 billion by 2028, up from $175 billion in 2023. The Jubilee celebrations, combined with other longstanding religious events like the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, are a testament to the increasing interest in faith-related travel experiences.
An Explosion of Visitors to Italy
Italy already attracts millions of visitors each year, with over 60 million tourists arriving in the country annually. However, the Jubilee is expected to bring an additional 32 million visitors to Rome alone, according to estimates from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy. With a large portion of these visitors being pilgrims, tour operators are bracing for an exceptionally busy year, and bookings have already surpassed expectations.
Non-Religious Options for Travelers
Not all visitors to Rome during the Jubilee are focused on religious experiences. For those who want to experience the vibrant cultural and historical aspects of the city, Central Holidays is offering tours that do not emphasize the faith-based aspects of the Jubilee. Maria Jose Merino, Vice President of Operations for Central Holidays, noted that whether religious or not, visiting Rome during the Jubilee adds an extra layer of significance to any trip.
Tour operators like Steve Perillo, CEO of Perillo Tours, have assured travelers that, despite initial concerns about overcrowding, there is still availability for Jubilee tours. “The demand is definitely high, but the crowds have not been as overwhelming as some might have anticipated,” Perillo said. His company is offering an 11-day Catholic Jubilee tour that includes visits to iconic sites like the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Holy House of Nazareth.
Travel Tips for Jubilee Tourists
Travelers planning to visit Italy during the Jubilee are advised to book early to secure their spots, as availability is expected to be limited. Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations, highlighted that while April through September will see the busiest crowds, airfares are expected to drop in October, providing a more budget-friendly option for those looking to visit later in the year.
The Jubilee in 2025 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travelers of all backgrounds to experience Italy in its most spiritually significant year. Whether seeking a pilgrimage or simply a chance to immerse themselves in Italy’s rich culture, visitors will find plenty to explore during this extraordinary time in history. With so much demand, now is the time to plan and embark on this unforgettable journey.
