Spiritual Tourism Destination Research Articles

Qualitative Factors that Influence Tourism Interests Visiting Tourism Destinations in Indonesia

This study aims to describe the qualitative factors that influence domestic tourists visiting tourist destinations. This research uses a qualitative approach. The tourist destinations that became the location of the study were the spiritual tourism destination of Maria Lounders Cave, PohSarang Village, Kacamatan Semen, Kediri Regency, East Java and the Tomb of WaliSongoSunanAmpel in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Primary data was collected using participatory observation techniques, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed using four steps of qualitative research, including data collection, data filtering, data classification, and drawing conclusions. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that, the factors that affect the interest of tourists visiting tourist destinations are: the completeness of facilities and infrastructure, tourist image, service, attraction, comfort, promotion, and tourist preferences. Based on interview results, those qualitative variables are always sought after by tourists. They want to visit a destination because of its promotion, attractiveness, and good image. Service, comfort, and tourist preferences are also reasons why these tourists visit tourist destinations.

Development of cultural tourism area based on the spiritual space of Cirebon Keraton

Cirebon is a city laden with spiritual activities. These are held almost every month in a year, by palace (keraton) disciples from surrounding Cirebon region and Indonesia. The spiritual events are located in almost of sacred places of keratons around Cirebon, and make an imaginary sacred space from the south to the north of Cirebon city. Sacred spiritual space is potential to be developed into tourism area destination, especially for religious tourist. Therefore, this study aims to explore an attractiveness of tourism, based on the spiritual area of keraton disciples, as a part of the cultural tourism space of Cirebon.To explore tourism potential, this research used survey and observation method in the palace, and in-depth interview with seven key persons, i.e., palace informants. After that, this potential was developed for the planning of tourist areas based on spiritual tourism destinations, divided by the core and the supporting areas, formed by sacred places and major tourist attractions. The core area is located in two locations, i.e., (1) the area of Cirebon keratons, and (2) complexes of graves on Gunung Jati. Meanwhile, the supporting area is formed by other supporting tourist objects and the ritual route of tourism.

Spiritual tourism in Vietnam: issues of rationale and reality

The exploitation of spiritual values to develop tourism in Vietnam already formed the value chain of spiritual tourism. The first goal of the value chain of spiritual tourism is increasing benefits for local economy. However, the issue of economic benefits is only one part of the goal of sustainable development. If we only focus on economic benefits and do not care about environmental, cultural and social conservation, we will have to get social and environmental risks. From fieldwork activities with in-depth interviews, participant observation in spiritual tourism destinations of Vietnam, including Sam Mountain - Chau Doc - An Giang, the author had the opportunity to learn and recognize the practice of stakeholders in spiritual tourism. Combined with the secondary sources, the author discusses characteristics, forming conditions and exploitation of spiritual tourism in Vietnam. Since then, based on the perspective of sustainable development, the author makes some recommendations to upgrade the value chain of spiritual tourism.