There’s never a bad time to visit the beautiful country of Italy, but next year will be an especially good time to visit. It will be Jubilee 2025, also known as The Holy Year. This event, significant in the Roman Catholic Church, is traditionally held every 25 years as a special year of universal pardon and remission of sins.
Michele Marinaro of Michelangelo International Travel (an NTA and FTA member) says, “The Jubilee Year is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, and spiritual renewal, when millions of Catholics travel to Rome to participate in religious events, seek forgiveness, and pass through the Holy Doors of the major basilicas.”
He adds that the Holy Doors are open only during Jubilee Years. In fact, on this Christmas Eve, these doors will be open in a ceremony led by Pope Francis himself.
“As the pope strikes the sealed doors with a silver hammer,” Marinaro explains, “they swing open, inviting pilgrims to pass through to begin their journey of spiritual renewal. This symbolic act marks the start of the Jubilee Year.”
Marinaro adds that there are multiple other events throughout the year that will take place in Rome as part of the celebration. These include numerous masses and liturgies led by Pope Francis, events that will bring crowds to St. Peter’s Basilica and other major basilicas. There are a wide variety of other events taking place throughout the year as well. Marinaro notes that “a diverse array of cultural events will be featured, including art exhibitions, music concerts, and academic conferences, all centered around themes of mercy, forgiveness, and renewal.”
These events, he says, will highlight both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the Jubilee, offering a wide range of experiences for visitors. The Vatican and local churches will also organize charitable initiatives, emphasizing social justice and outreach to the needy, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that underlies the Jubilee.
Of course, with so many events taking place, the obvious question for tour operators and group leaders is this: “How will travel be affected?”
Marinaro says that Rome will see a huge increase in visitors. “Typically hosting around 15 million visitors annually, Rome is expected to welcome three times that number in 2025,” he explains. “In preparation for the Holy Year, the city is enhancing its infrastructure and bolstering public and security services. These improvements aim to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all visitors.”
While Rome will see the most significant increase in demand, other destinations and spiritual sites across Italy will also experience higher numbers of travelers, as pilgrims extend their journeys to explore the country’s rich religious heritage.
Hotels are increasing their rates in anticipation of the celebration, some by as much as 20 percent, but Marinaro says his company has laid the groundwork for groups that are visiting.
“Michelangelo International Travel has secured numerous allotments in Rome at fixed rates, ensuring only a moderate increase,” he says. “Collaborating with us provides travel companies with the dual advantages of stable pricing and the confidence that comes from having a local expert on the ground managing all group travel arrangements.”
That expertise on the ground makes Michelangelo an ideal partner for groups wishing to visit Italy for Jubilee, Marinaro says.
“As a leading incoming specialist for group travel with expert knowledge of every corner of Italy, we are fully prepared to handle the rise in demand. We will strategically divert groups to lesser-known, less crowded destinations, providing a unique and serene experience. Our group tour packages will seamlessly combine the events of Jubilee 2025 with visits to off-the-beaten-path attractions, ensuring travelers make the most of their stay without the stress of overcrowding. This approach guarantees a more enriching and enjoyable experience, allowing them to explore Italy’s many sceneries and sights beyond the well-trodden paths.”
The size and scope of the Jubilee celebration may cause tour operators and group leaders to consider waiting to visit after the celebrations have ended. However, Marinaro believes that would be a mistake.
“The Jubilee Year provides a unique, once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and cultural experience that is truly unmatched,” he says. “This extraordinary event, occurring only once every 25 years, offers travelers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with Italy’s rich heritage and superb cultural scene. It will feature exclusive events that are added benefits to your Italy trip and can only be experienced during the Jubilee.”
What about travelers who are not Catholic? Marinaro says his company can ensure that a visit to Italy during Jubilee 2025 will still be a meaningful experience.
“With its rich cultural program, Jubilee appeals to visitors with diverse interests,” he explains. “Regardless of your group’s travel theme or preferences, our team of group travel professionals is prepared to design a custom itinerary that allows your clients to explore all facets of Italy, from the sacred to the secular. Our tailored solutions ensure that every aspect of the country’s cultural and spiritual landscape is accessible, making 2025 an exceptional year for travel.”
Now in the second half of 2024, is it too late to plan tours to Italy for the Jubilee 2025 celebration? Marinaro says no, but he adds that time is of the essence.
“The surge in demand will create a competitive environment for securing accommodations, transportation, and tickets for key events,” he says. “Early planning can help ensure availability, potentially better rates, and a well-organized experience for travelers. The timing and budget of your planning will significantly affect your options. March, April, and September are peak periods, and availability may be more challenging during these months. We can assist with both advance and short-notice requests, but we strongly recommend planning as early as possible to maximize your opportunities and secure the best arrangements for your clients.”
Though Jubilee Year is a religious celebration that officially lasts one year, Marinaro believes that it will have a long-lasting impact on travelers to the country.
“We are confident that the Jubilee Year will transform Italy into a vibrant hub of faith, culture, and tourism,” he says. “The country will become even more attractive as an overseas destination, particularly for travelers from North America.”
For more information on Michelangelo International Travel’s tours and Jubilee 2025, contact Marinaro at michele.marinaro@michelangelo.travel. For more information about NTA’s Faith Travel Association, contact Todd Probus, director of member solutions and education.
Photos provided by Michelangelo International Travel
