Religious Tourism Research Articles

Diversity Communication of Interreligious Harmonization: A Case Study of Rama Agung Village, Bengkulu Utara Regency, Indonesia

Indonesia is known as a country that has many tribes, cultures, races, religions, and codes of conduct of the people. But the exciting thing is that the complexity of diversity does not divide Indonesia. Rama Agung Village, Bengkulu Utara Regency, was designated as a Religious Harmony Village in Bengkulu Province in 2018 by the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Upon launching the minister of religion, the Governor of Bengkulu designated it as a Miniature Village of Religious Harmony in Bengkulu Province. This is in line with the decision of the Regent of Bengkulu Utara in 2021, which established Rama Agung Village as a Religious Tourism Village. In this position, religious and cultural tolerance becomes important as the main indicator that can reduce points of conflict between individuals, social classes, and society. This tolerance was formed not on the basis of an accident. Still, the similarity of struggle that gave birth to valuable lessons bound in the points and points of Pancasila elaborated in the State Constitution and actualized in everyday life. This research design uses qualitative methods with a single instrumental case study approach. Data collection will be collected through interviews and document review. The results showed that the harmonization that occurs in Rama Agung village is currently maintained because of the value of harmony instilled by the community in interreligious life, namely open communication between fellow believers, mutual respect for other religious celebrations, and the rules of other religions.

ROLE OF THE PASAI SAMUDRA KINGDOM COMPLEX TOURISM OBJECT TOWARDS INCREASING TRADERS' INCOME

The tourism sector is currently one of the sectors that has great potential to increase regional income in Indonesia. However, there are still many areas with tourism potential that are not developed and even tend to be neglected. This is certainly not in accordance with one of the regional government's plans for developing tourist villages. and also the Cultural and Tourism Development Policy instructed by the President Number 16 of 2005. The Samudra Pasai royal complex tourist attraction is located in two locations, namely in Gampong Beuringen and in Gampong Kuta Kareng which is one of the mainstay religious tourist attractions in North Aceh district. This research is qualitative research using descriptive analysis to explain the role of tourist attractions in increasing the income of traders in the surrounding area. Data collection was carried out by interviewing informants from the North Aceh Culture Service, the Samudra Pasai Kingdom Tourism Object Manager, Village Heads and traders. This research provides results that the Samudra Pasai Royal Complex tourist attraction has not provided a maximum role in increasing traders' income.

Exploring the "Symbiotic Mutualism" between the Religious Tourism and World Buddhist Archeological Sites of Pakistan

Symbiosis involves two organisms living together, while mutualism denotes a mutually beneficial relationship. This study delves into the fusion of Religious Tourism and Buddhist World Archeological Sites, aiming to uncover symbiotic mutualism between these seemingly disparate industries. Beginning with understanding this phenomenon and identifying relevant parameters, literature and case studies were analyzed, focusing eventually on Pakistan. The context of Buddhist World Heritage Sites and religious tourism in Pakistan was examined, exploring their mutual relationship. The study investigated the necessary parameters for symbiotic mutualism and assessed its existence and effectiveness through public surveys and interviews. Findings suggest significant potential for mutualism, yet comprehensive frameworks and strategic planning are lacking for its full realization. Public interest and basic guidelines exist, but a cohesive approach is needed to excel in this dimension. This research underscores the untapped potential of merging Buddhist archaeological sites with religious tourism, calling for concerted efforts to capitalize on this opportunity.

SACRED SEDUCTION: UNVEILING THE ALLURE OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AS A TOURIST MAGNET

Religious tourism has become a popular and dynamic sector in the global travel industry, driven by individuals seeking cultural immersion and spiritual experiences. This article explores the allure of religious activities as tourist attractions, analysing the factors contributing to their appeal. It investigates the cultural and historical value of religious sites, the transformative nature of spiritual encounters, the impact on well-being, and the significance of religious festivals and pilgrimages. Understanding this appeal is essential for destinations and stakeholders to harness religious tourism's economic, social, and cultural benefits while preserving the sanctity of these revered locations. The attractiveness of religious activities is influenced by factors such as architectural aesthetics, sacred rituals and traditions, emotional and psychological dimensions, and interactions with local communities and religious leaders. The article emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity, responsible tourism practices, and collaboration among religious institutions, tourism stakeholders, and local communities for sustainable development. The research provides valuable recommendations for the responsible management of religious tourism.

Religious Tourism in Lahore: Case Study of Mosque Architecture under the Mughals

Religious Tourism in Lahore: Case Study of Mosque Architecture under the Mughals

Economic Valuation of Bubohu Religious Tourism Village in Gorontalo District

The development of industrial tourism at local level directly opens up employment in tourism areas which can be managed and utilised by local communities. Bubohu religious tourism village is one of the tourism villages having a good potential economy, however there still are identified poverty issues in the village. This research calculates the value of potential economic and multiplier effect value of religious tourism village Bubohu by identifying the amount of visitor expenditure, business unit income, expenditure of business units and labour expenditure in this village. The research results obtained the average value of Willingness to Pay (WTP) indicating the expenditure of individual tourists visiting amounted to Rp 395.555/person. Then the estimated economic valuation of Bubohu religious tourism village which is based on tourist expenditure amoundted Rp 7.512.391.111. Furthermore, economic value will increase along with tourists coming to visit Bubohu religious tourism. The multiplier effect analysis results acquired that Keynesian Income Multiplier value is 1,25, and Ratio Income Multiplier type 1 is 1,45 as well as Ratio Income Multiplier type 2 is 1,87. The results indicated that the existing tourism activities at Bubohu religious tourism village have a good economic impact on the local communities.

THE FUTURE OF KUDUS AS A RELIGIOUS CITY IN CENTRAL JAVA

THE FUTURE OF KUDUS AS A RELIGIOUS CITY IN CENTRAL JAVA

Visioning Pesantren Istana Quran as an Eco-Religious Edu-Tourism Destination in Indonesia

Abstract. This study aims to bridge the gap among the religious, environmental, and tourism aspects by suggesting a comprehensive framework for transforming Islamic boarding schools into environmentally friendly religious-based tourism destinations. Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia which are commonly known as “pondok pesantren” are pivotal institutions in providing education and religious guidance to the students (“santri”). However, the idea of transforming it into a religious-based edu-tourism destination is something new. Using qualitative field research, a participatory case study, and a survey, this research was run in Muhammadiyah-owned Pondok Pesantren Istana Qur’an (literally means “The Palace of Holy Qur’an”) located in Banjarnegara, Central Java. This study found that the idea of edu-tourism originally came from the stakeholders’ vision to create a distinct and attractive boarding school. Nevertheless, Muhammadiyah as a modern and progressive Islamic movement prefers to emphasize the futuristic image of distinction rather than the old-fashioned religious tourism destinations that rely on memories of their founders or the tombs of saints (“walis”). Therefore, the idea is developed to integrate three main dimensions: religious enrichment, tourism development, and environmental sustainability. Conclusively, this paper serves as a foundation for further research and practical initiatives aimed at actualizing the vision.

RELIGIOUS ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF SOUTH COASTAL COMMUNITIES, WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA

This research was motivated by the viral issue circulating on social media about a mosque floating on water and attracting the attention of tourists from more than 300 congregations with all the advantages (natural resources and human resources) that support it so that it becomes a tourist icon in Pesisir Selatan Regency. The aims of this research are: 1) to describe the potential of floating mosques for religious ecotourism owned by Pesisir Selatan Regency; 2) to analyze the role of the community in developing the potential of floating mosques as ecotourism. This research method uses qualitative descriptive analysis with a field survey approach, in-depth interviews, and observation methods with analytical techniques in this view including three activity streams, namely data reduction, data presentation, and concluding B. Milles and Huberman. Sampling was carried out using a purposive sampling technique. The research results show that there are government programs that are still hampered by political interests that have not yet been completed. The floating mosque with a Malay Arabic design relies on the natural beauty around the beach to provide a spiritual sensation that soothes the soul of every visitor. The floating mosque is a religious tourism icon that is worth visiting.

Development Strategy of Lau Debuk-Debuk Nature Park Based on Local Wisdom and Community Participation Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method

The designation of the Lau Debuk Debuk forest area as a nature reserve was based on the Decree of Radja Deli dated September 30, 1934. The area underwent a change in function from a nature reserve to a tourist park, according to the Minister of Agriculture's Decree Number: 320/Kpts/Um/5/1980 dated May 9, 1980, regarding the Change of the Status of the Nature Reserve covering approximately ±7 hectares located in the Simalungun-Tanah Karo TK II Region, North Sumatra TK I Region as a Forest Tourism. In this area, there are hot springs containing sulfur. Lau Debuk-debuk Nature Park (TWA), located in the Berastagi District of Karo Regency, is one of the conservation areas managed by the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Center.The research aimed to analyze local wisdom in the management of Lau Debuk-debuk Nature Park ecotourism. The study was conducted from February to May 2023 in the Lau Debuk-debuk Nature Park located in the Berastagi District of Karo Regency. It employed a qualitative approach involving local residents in the development process of strategies and the assessment of Lau Debuk-debuk Nature Park's ecotourism development based on local wisdom. The results indicate that the priority for the development of the Lau Debuk Debuk Conservation Area is the aspect of local wisdom, which is crucial for the development of a religious tourist area because it is the main reason tourists visit the natural tourist area, Lau Debuk-debuk Nature Park.Keyword: Local wisdom, ecotourism, AHP method

Persepsi Wisatawan Domestik Terhadap Desa Wisata Religi Bubohu Bongo Kabupaten Gorontalo

The Religious Tourism Village of Bubohu Bongo is one of the tourist destinations in the Gorontalo Province and is a sought after destination due to its ancient religious ceremony tradition, namely the implementation of walima conducted every Maulid of Prophet Muhammad SAW. The traditions and rituals held by the Religious Tourism Villageof Bubohu Bongohave long been evolving and attract tourist in searchof something authentic. This research aims to determine Tourist Perceptions of the Bubohu Bongo Religious Tourism Village, Gorontalo Regency. The method used is a quantitative study with a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling with a sample of 30 respondents. Data collection uses a questionnaire sheet. From the results of statistical tests using the Chi Square test, it was obtained a P-value of 0.003 where <0.05 was a significant level, so that Ha was accepted and H0 was rejected and it can be concluded that there is a relationship between tourist perceptions of the tourist attraction of the Bubohu Bongo Religious Tourism Village.

Review Of Entrepreneurial Literacy For Optimizing MSME Business Strategy In The Religious Tourism Area Of Sunan Ampel Tomb Surabaya

In this era of globalization, business challenges are increasingly complex along with technological developments and global market access. Entrepreneurial literacy is the main key in dealing with this dynamic, where a good understanding of business strategy is essential for business continuity. Religious tourism areas such as the Tomb of Sunan Ampel Surabaya have great potential as tourist destinations and centers of community economic activity. However, MSMEs in the region are faced with various challenges, such as intense competition, lack of entrepreneurial literacy, and lack of effective business strategy implementation. Ideally, MSMEs in the region should have a high level of entrepreneurial literacy and be able to optimize their business strategies to increase competitiveness and local economic contribution. This study aims to investigate business strategies that can be applied by MSMEs in the religious tourism area of Makam Sunan Ampel Surabaya, by considering entrepreneurial literacy as the main foundation. This research makes a new contribution by examining the relationship between entrepreneurial literacy and MSME business strategies in religious tourism areas, adding insight into the specific context of Sunan Ampel Tomb Surabaya. This research has high urgency because it provides a foundation for the development of MSMEs in the region, increasing their competitiveness, and at the same time supporting the development of religious tourism in Surabaya.This research use desciptive qualitative approach. The research subjects involved MSMEs. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis involves data reduction, display, and inference, with triangulation used to ensure validity.The results of research, observations, and interviews show that the research emphasizes the need to improve MSME entrepreneurial literacy in the Religious Tourism Area of Sunan Ampel's Tomb. Effective training and mentorship, with more than 70% of MSMEs involved, encourages business adaptation to uncertainty. Collaboration with entrepreneurship experts and the business community plays an important role. The integration of technology and business networks supports sustainable business growth and supports local tourism. This study summarizes effective strategies to increase entrepreneurial literacy, strengthen the contribution of MSMEs, and safeguard cultural heritage.

TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN: ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

The article discusses tourism concepts dedicated to developing the tourism industry in Kazakhstan. Since its independence, Kazakhstan has adopted various tourism concepts and national plans but they do not concern or care for the entirety of Kazakhstan’s territory. Despite the country’s prosperity with regards to diversity and opportunity, it is in need of institutional structure and management efficiency to optimally succeed. Kazakhstan’s tourism industry is currently responsible for over five governmental and private organizations but they exude inefficiency. These organizations have overlapping and repeating functions. Most tourism concepts failed to be executed within the established time frames. Some concepts were created by mixing cluster theory with destination management organization methods. Essentially, these prove that Kazakhstan has weak management structure, marketing and branding with an insufficiency primarily caused by a lack of effective and efficient marketing. The country proved itself to struggle to balance multiple things at once. For instance, the 2023 conception required the country to focus on 12 types of tourism simultaneously which concluded in nothing being accomplished.Therefore, the authors suggest targeting only four types of tourism including MICE tourism, cultural heritage tourism, nature-based tourism, and spiritual tourism. Furthermore, eleven strategies are introduced with tactics to develop the country’s tourism industry. As a result, this article suggests some recommendations to solve the problems associated with the development of the tourism industry.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE INTEREST OF VISITING TOURISTS IN RELIGIOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS SUNAN GUNUNG JATI

Religious tourism is one of the tours in Indonesia. Religious tourism is well known by most Indonesians considering the level of religion and culture inherent in Indonesian society. Cirebon is an area thick with tradition and culture, so it is known as the City of Religion. The icon of religious tourism in Cirebon is the Tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati which is a mandatory destination for religious tourists. The purpose of this research is to find out how religiosity, facilities, and tourist attraction can affect the interest of visitors. This study uses regression analysis as a quantitative approach. The population of this study is all tourists who visit Sunan Gunung Jati tourism. The sample of this study amounted to 96 respondents. Based on the analysis using the simultaneous significance test (F-test), the F-count value is 33,113 with a probability of 0.000, meaning that all independent variables, namely X1, X2, and X3 together have a significant effect on the dependent variable. The results showed that the dependent variable, namely the interest of visiting tourists in Sunan Gunung Jati tourism, was influenced by the independent variables, namely religiosity, facilities, and tourist attraction. Tourism managers are expected to maintain and maintain the condition of tourist facilities and increase visitor comfort. For further researchers, it is necessary to examine other variables that are not in this study, to analyze other factors that influence tourist interest.

Death, Ghosts, and Spiritual Tourism: Conceptualizing a Dark Spiritual Experience Spectrum for the Paranormal Market

Paranormal tourism is a lucrative market offering visitors the opportunity to engage with enchanting experiences and stories in destinations around the world. Specifically, ghost tourism connects people to the dead (and death) through dark narratives, supernatural legends, and participatory experiences. Previous scholarship has suggested that ghost tourism exhibits characteristics of dark tourism (by visiting dark places) and spiritual tourism (by engaging in spiritual practices); however, this relationship has not been fully explored. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to consider where the experiential and motivational characteristics of dark, spiritual, and paranormal tourism converge, and to consider whether this convergence produces a dark spiritual experience for consumers. Three dimensions are identified as contributing towards the degree of dark experience offered by ghost tourism: place, promotion and production, and participation. To conclude, a Dark Spiritual Experience Spectrum is proposed, illustrating the characteristics of each dimension and their influence on the degree of dark spiritual experience offered to consumers. It is argued that these dimensions have the potential to impact the tourist experience, influence visitor motivations, and, consequently, drive an evolving paranormal market.

Sustaining inner transformation through spiritual tourism

ABSTRACT This study aims to offer insights on spiritual benefits sought by a special interest market (spiritual tourists). Data for this study is anchored in a purposeful selection of retreat centres, that offer a mix of reflective and inspirational spaces, in a world renowned spiritual tourism destination (Rishikesh in India). One key objective is to identify significant predictors of spiritual benefits and scrutinise if visitors who indicate interest in sustaining spiritual pursuits or inner transformation differ, from others, in the type of spiritual benefits they seek. Furthermore, this study offers suggestions on how the retreat centres can optimise the spiritual benefits and ignite interest in pursuing sustained inner transformation. This study is unique in that it suggests a sustained transformation continuum for spiritual retreat centres.

APPLICATION OF NETNOGRAPHY METHODS IN THE STUDY OF MUSLIM PILGRIMS AND VISITORS TO THE HOLY PLACES OF THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN

The number of pilgrims and visitors to the holy places of the Republic of Bashkortostan increases every year. New objects of worship are being built in the region every year and old ones are being improved. This article is devoted to the study of pilgrimage in Bashkiria at the present stage.
 
 The purpose of the article is to analyze the reasons for the increase in the number of pilgrims and the existing trends of religious tourism in Bashkiria.
 
 Materials and methods. Within the framework of the study, the materials of the field expedition were used, which were achieved through such methods as questionnaire, survey and overt observation. The methods of cyberethnography were also applied: the analysis of the Internet community, whose actors participate in events organized at the holy sites of the Southern Urals, was carried out.
 
 Scientific novelty. This work is the first to study a sharp increase in pilgrimage in Bashkiria after 2019. In addition, the author applied overt observation in the expedition, which was last carried out by ethnographers on these monuments in 2010. Currently, foreign and domestic scientists are actively implementing the method of cyberethnography in the study of modern trends, the author of the article for the first time uses the method of cyberethnography in the study of religious pilgrimage in the Republic of Bashkortostan.
 
 Study results. During the expedition, a survey of tourists, guides and pilgrims was conducted at the mausoleum of Kuseynbek and Tura Khan in Chishminsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and at the Ilchigulovo-IV burial mound (sacred mountain Narystau) in Miyakinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan, a questionnaire was also compiled for a group of tourists from Ufa and an analysis of pilgrims by gender and age using cyberethnography methods was carried out. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the flow of pilgrims and tourists to the holy places of the region increases annually.
 
 Conclusions. The most active visitors to the holy places are the Muslims associated with Sufi brotherhoods. Most of the Muslims’ holy places are organized on the site of archaeological sites of the XIV–XV centuries. According to demographic characteristics, tourists are mostly middle-aged and elderly women, which shows the need to improve the infrastructure for leisure and walking.

GEOINFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE STUDY OF MUSLIM HOLY SITES IN THE SOUTHERN URALS

In the recent decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old holy places and to form new ones revered by the Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by residents of small villages, but some have become important for the Muslims throughout the region.
 
 The purpose of the study is to determine the most popular places of worship for the Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by the Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity.
 
 Historiographical base of the study. The research team analyzed the works of domestic and foreign authors, which mainly describe the conditions of the studied objects, religious rituals, organized events, etc. In addition, it was possible to attract the experience of researchers in implementing projects in geoinformation systems in religious studies.
 
 Materials and methods of the study. Geoinformation methods were used for the study. Based on archival materials, developments of archaeologists, ethnographers, theologians, culture experts, materials of Internet communities and other open sources, as well as the free cross-platform geoinformation system Quantum GIS, we have created the following layers: 1) mausoleums; 2) places of worship according to the data given by Russia’s Central Spiritual Governance for the Muslims; 3) places of worship according to the Internet community in the social network VKontakte Sufi RB; 4) religious tourist routes.
 
 Study results. Thanks to the use of geoinformation systems, it was possible to identify the most popular holy places among the Muslims of the Southern Urals. It is established that the most actively visited objects are the mausoleum of Hussein Bey in Chishminsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Ilchigulovo-IV burial mound (the sacred mountain Narystau) in Miyakinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
 
 Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors, among which the presence of a monumental structure, representation of the object in the media space and the Internet, as well as availability of objective scientific data about it are of key importance.

The understanding of the Islamic community's intention toward religious tourism

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, service quality, and religious tourism literacy on people's intention in recommending and returning to religious tourism destinations.Research methods – The data source for this research was a survey method with a questionnaire distributed via broadcast on social media. This research uses a quantitative data processing method using structural equation modeling partial least squares (SEM-PLS) analysis with the SmartPLS 3.3 statistical tool.Findings – The results of this study show that subjective norms (SN), attitudes (ATT), and religious tourism literacy (RTL) have a significant influence on the intention to recommend and revisit religious tourism. Meanwhile, service quality (SQ) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were not accepted and did not have a significant effect on the intention to recommend and revisit religious tourism.Implications – The government can also focus on developing religious tourism literacy programs to increase public knowledge, which, in turn, can enhance interest, positive attitudes, and the intention to recommend and revisit. Considering these implications, destination managers and stakeholders can design more effective strategies to enhance attractiveness and visitor satisfaction and contribute to the sustainable development of religious tourism.Originality – This model adopts the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating service quality and religious tourism literacy. Service quality and religious tourism literacy are considered appropriate factors to capture issues related to the community's intention to recommend and revisit religious tourism destinations

Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Accommodation Sector to Promote Religious Tourism in Ramayana Circuit of Uttar Pradesh.

Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Accommodation Sector to Promote Religious Tourism in Ramayana Circuit of Uttar Pradesh.