The City of Fatima: History, Development and Economic Perspectives

Abstract

The research was inspired in Glaeser (2005), that addressed the rise of New York and its continued success. The objectives of this study were defined as follows: (i) evidence the growth of the city of Fátima in population density and number of pilgrims; (ii) indicate the relationship between the population growth rate and the number of pilgrims through an econometric model based in time series; and (iii) contribute to the literature on the historical context of the largest religious tourism destination in Portugal. Through the descriptive, historical, and bibliographic analysis of a set of statistical information, it is possible to present the urban and economic development of the city of Fatima. The city stands out in population when compared to the other parishes in its municipality. Indeed, it exceeded the country's population growth rate and, compared to other three host cities for Marian religious tourism (Aparecida, Lourdes and La Sallete), the Portuguese city also shows a high rate of population growth. Considering the empirical analysis, it appears that with the increase in the population growth rate, there is a positive impact on the number of pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Fátima in the long-run. Limitations: Several historical events that were not mentioned. The small number of sanctuary-cities that were used to assess the success of Fatima worldwide. Compared with the study by Glaeser (2005), only variables related to the population could be analysed. Originality/value: This study brings a series of historical and statistical information that can benefit researchers in the elaboration of the state of the art of new articles on religious tourism in Fatima. It reinforces the success of the city of Fatima and proposes some public policy measures focusing on the sustainable economic development of religious tourism in Fatima.