Religious Tourism Events and Insights for AI on International Volunteering: The Case Study of Braga's Holy Week (Portugal)

Abstract

The tourism sector makes a significant contribution to the development of the territory. Due to the strong set of religious structures and traditions, the north of Portugal is a region where religious tourism has a significant impact, serving as an economic engine for the region and generating a dynamic in the local economies. Holy Week in the city of Braga is one of the most outstanding examples of this, constituting a unique tourist attraction that enhances the municipality's promotion. A qualitative research study was conducted through three interviews with various institutional agents. The analysis of the collected information enabled us to gain detailed insights, thereby enhancing our understanding of Holy Week event organization and its tourist profile. From an interdisciplinary perspective, this chapter presents some insights into religious tourism, religious events but also envisages the relationship that artificial intelligence could play in international volunteering.