The meaningful elements of the Camino: Toward understanding pilgrims' transformative experience

Abstract

Despite growing research on pilgrimage tourism, a comprehensive understanding of factors driving transformation remains limited. This study used a qualitative approach to identify meaningful elements of the Camino that facilitate pilgrims' transformative experience. Employing a data triangulation strategy, a content analysis was conducted on Camino pilgrims' social media posts and their responses to an open-ended survey questionnaire distributed to 1505 American pilgrims. Results revealed eight elements: religion/spirituality, long-distance walking, community, challenge, simplicity, nature, art/history/culture, and multiculturalism. These align well with Self-Determination Theory and help explain positive personal changes. This research deepens understanding of pilgrims' transformative experiences and the meaningful factors that foster them on the Camino. • Eight key elements facilitate transformative experience on the Camino. • Both social media posts and open-ended survey question responses were analyzed. • Results help pilgrims plan journeys more strategically to maximize the benefits.

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