The Declaration of International Conference on Religious Tourism helt in Bethlehem 15-16 June (http://middle-east.unwto.org/) makes reference to the spiritual qualities of natural heritage, traditional custodians and their sacred sites. The International Conference on Religious Tourism: Fostering sustainable socio-economic development in host communities provided a forum for tourism authorities, representatives of religious communities, the private sector, academia, international and regional development organizations, to exchange views, perspectives and experiences on how to develop and promote religious tourism as a tool for inclusive socio-economic development focusing on partnerships and initiatives that warrant the engagement and empowerment of local communities.