There is a subliminal implication in the statement. Religion for many, especially in the western world, implies worship or an externalized perception of God. A kind of dualistic perception of God as if the self is separated from the universal intelligence known as God. In Dharmic religions this is not the whole perception. There is what is called bhakti and shakti. Often this is also referred to as the self and the Self or the truth and the Truth. Then there are spiritual paths that are more philosophical as in Taoism, Tantra, Zen, etc. and mystical paths that parallel religions but focus more upon achieving unity with God through meditation, mantra, yoga etc. So not all paths are religious in the sort of western context. There is not necessarily a practice of worship but there is an emphasis on experiences of unity with God or some concept of universal intelligence or forces. There is not an emphasis on subscription to some sort of organized group but more a lifestyle that is maintained. In the west religion commonly represents the opposite. As in, there is a subscription to a social spiritual group but not a strong dedication to a lifestyle or maintaining a discipline as an individual.

In my opinion, the statement of religion vs. spirituality is a narrow perspective of both concepts, but I understand that people have these perspectives and as far as my personal experience of life it makes little difference what others think or feel about that one way or the other.

It is an interesting topic though thanks for bringing it up.