Final answer:
Shrines and pilgrimages acted as early forms of spiritual tourism that helped in economic development by providing a market for various goods and services required by travelers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shrines and pilgrimages indeed fostered economic growth in medieval Europe. This phenomenon can be likened to a form of spiritual tourism, where travelers often visited towns with significant religious relics. The local economy in these areas thrived as pilgrims would spend money on accommodations, food, guidebooks, souvenirs such as badges, and other necessities during their journey. As illustrated by the Reliquary of St. Foy at Conques Abbey, pilgrimage sites often became hubs of commercial activity, supporting businesses and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region. Therefore, the statement is a. True.