The Economic and Social Implications of Religious Tourism

Abstract

Background: The popularity of religious tourism in India has steadily grown over the years, however, significant research work precludes this area. Keeping the patriarchal male-dominance orientation of Indian society this study attempts to fill this void with the aim to examine the economic and social implications of religious tourism in India from females’ perspective. Aim: The study aims to explore the economic and social implications of religious tourism in the Indian context by creating new research avenues, offering new and fresh insights, and drawing conclusions based on personal experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of respondents on the topic studied. Setting: This study focused on the perspective of females in terms of the economic and social implications of religious tourism in Indian context. Methods: The empirical study is based on an extensive literature review and one-hour in-depth interviews of 45 females selected through purposive sampling technique across a broad age group of 30-60 years residing in India. Study results were obtained by using the constructive “Grounded Theory Approach”. Results: Results indicate the important structural changes that are taking place in India regarding females’ participation, particularly in religious tourism. Important insights were obtained about religious tourism's economic and social implications from the perspectives of females. Conclusion: It is, therefore, concluded that the religious tourism is gaining popularity of amongst females in India not only for the fulfilment of various purposes such as rejuvenation, entertainment, stress-busting, empowerment, employment, and socialization of children but also as a tool for income generation, social and cultural development, balanced regional growth, better infrastructure, and promotion of cultural diversity. The study results will provide the vital guidance to the policy makers in the area of women empowerment.