The 5th International Asia Pacific Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conference (APIRTP) will be held at Takasaki City University of Economics in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, from 8 to 11 January 2027.

Organised by the Institute for Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage (IRTP) in conjunction with the International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage and Takasaki City University of Economics, the conference will provide an international platform for examining the changing relationship between religion, society, tourism and pilgrimage.

The conference aims to bring empirical research and personal perspectives into discussions about the evolving nature of religion in society. It will also encourage academics, policymakers and practitioners to consider the challenges and opportunities influencing the future development of faith tourism and pilgrimage.

Conference topics include artificial intelligence and pilgrim experiences; cultural heritage; crowd management at religious sites; digital and virtual religious tourism; diaspora and ancestral tourism; faith and gastronomy; religious architecture; healing and wellness; interfaith tourism; pilgrimage motivations; sacred journeys; overtourism; regenerative tourism; security and safety; social media; sustainability; migration; and the theoretical, philosophical and theological dimensions of religious tourism.

Researchers interested in participating are invited to submit abstracts by 30 September 2026. Abstracts may be up to 300 words and should present research related to the conference’s principal themes. Submissions can be completed through the online abstract form available on the conference website.

Further information is available on the official APIRTP conference page.

Conference at a Glance

• Event: 5th International Asia Pacific Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conference (APIRTP)
• Organisers: Institute for Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage (IRTP), International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage and Takasaki City University of Economics
• Host Institution: Takasaki City University of Economics
• Date: 8–11 January 2027
• Location: Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
• Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026
• Abstract Length: Maximum 300 words
• Participants: Academics, researchers, policymakers and professionals working in religious tourism, pilgrimage, heritage, religion and related fields
• Main Focus: Religious tourism and pilgrimage, faith tourism, sacred sites, cultural heritage, pilgrim experiences, artificial intelligence, digital tourism, interfaith tourism, religious architecture, healing and wellness, overtourism, security, migration, regenerative tourism and sustainability
• Abstract Submission: Online submission form
• Conference Website: https://irtp.co.uk/
• Contact: info@irtp.co.uk