The new Pope might by a good thing for tourism. Tour operators are expecting an increase in demand for travel to the Vatican so people can catch a glimpse of the new pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He may also boost tourism in his home country of Argentina.
The New Pope, who will be called Francis, was elected on Wednesday. He was born to Italian immigrant parents, but he was raised in Buenos Aires. There's no doubt that Catholic will want to travel to Rome to see the Vatican and other holy sites, but tourism may also increase in Argentina, USA Today reports.
"With Pope John Paul II, there was an interest in walking in his footsteps in Poland," where he was born, Mike Schields of Globus, which operates a religious tours division told USA Today. "I can see once this pope becomes a little better known, that people of faith will do the same thing with Argentina."
Catholic Travel Centre owner Scott Scherer, has already noticed an increased interest in travel to Italy. Travel groups are calling to switch their tours from Spain to Italy.
"They're calling and saying, 'It's time to see the pope,'" he told USA Today.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to catch a first glimpse of Pope Francis and some believe his likeability will draw others in to come see him.
"He has a personality - prayerful, humble, grandfatherly - that is going to draw people," Scherer said.
Some travel companies weren't expecting the pope to be chosen so quickly. Rome-based TourCrafters created five-night Rome & Papal Election packages for those who were hoping to see the white smoke emerge from the Sistine Chapel. The pope may have been elected already, but the tour will continue until April 30.
Keane Travel owner Joann Keane thinks there will be an immediate increase in the demand for tours to Italy, especially with Easter being just two weeks away.
With a higher demand in tours to the Vatican, Keane knows that the travel won't be easy. She attended the beatification of Mother Teresa in St. Peter's in 2003.
"The crowds were immense," she said.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
