Religious Tourism Research Articles

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

A Research to Determine the Perception of the Tangible Cultural Architectural Heritage of Erzurum Castle and Its Surroundings in Turkey

The city center of Erzurum in the east of Turkey, Erzurum province, has structures with origins from the Anatolian Seljuk and Ilkhanid Periods to the present day, including the “Erzurum Castle”, “Ulu Mosque”, “Double Minaret Madrasa”, “Yakutiye Madrasa”, and “Three Kumbets.” It is home to one of the most important cultural heritages of Eastern Anatolia in history and faith tourism. Erzurum can be considered as the cradle of many cultures and civilizations with its deep historical past. Restoration (renovation) works around these monuments, which also contribute to the city’s identity, are important in terms of preserving historical monuments for the future. In this study, the importance of landscape projects and housing restorations in the city and its surroundings, in terms of harmony with the historical environment and monuments and urban identity, was investigated. In the questionnaire prepared for this purpose, we attempted to determine the perceptions of the protection, appreciation, and contribution aspects of the urban renewal works conducted in the tangible architectural heritage areas centered on Erzurum castle. The questionnaires, which included 5-point Likert-type questions, were distributed to 400 people. We sought the opinions of experts in decision-making mechanisms and academicians, as well as local people. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the city is generally not sensitive enough about the protection of historical neighbourhoods and monuments, and urban transformation projects do not contribute to conservation efforts in terms of conservation, sustainability, and visual perception. In addition, in terms of visual perception, it has been revealed that the newly developing regions of the city do not offer housing projects compatible with the historical environment, and that the relevant studies conducted are insufficient. The study also revealed that Erzurum Castle plays a central role in the perception of the historical environment. In terms of sustainability perception, it was determined that architectural restoration and landscape works have positive effects on cultural tourism, urban attractiveness, sense of belonging, quality of life, and prevention of migration. The prepared questions were divided into three groups: conservation sensitivity and perception, visual perception, and sustainability perception.

Heritage Sites, Devotion, and Quality Enhancement in Tourism: The Promotion and Management of Ancient Marian Places of Worship along the Appian Way in Puglia and Basilicata

Religious tourism is a significant and growing field of tourism that overlaps with cultural tourism. It has the potential to improve the quality of life of those who live in places of faith or along routes of spiritual interest. Religious tourism involves a complex interplay of spiritual and economic motivations. Effective religious tourism management requires respect for spiritual values, partnerships, local engagement, and quality assessment. Devotional practices have evolved from medieval spiritual care to communal expressions and periodic rituals. This paper specifically analysed the characteristics of the Marian cult and pilgrimage flows to places of Marian faith. It examined their value potential from a religious and cultural perspective and their role as a particular attractor of experiential and quality tourism generated by the territorial context. The area of reference is the region of Puglia, which has often played the role of cultural bridge with the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean in the past. The second part of the paper focuses on the proposed itinerary along the Appian Way in its final route between Puglia and Basilicata. Marian shrines were sometimes the cause and sometimes the evidence of the cultural and economic poles that characterised the medieval and modern variants of this ancient road route. The study outlines a serial path that integrates the usual settlement or infrastructural levels of territorial knowledge with the Marian theme, which was analysed diachronically. An operational track in the contemporary territorial dimension emerged from the correlation of both the stratigraphic reading of the landscape and the interpretation of material and immaterial cultural heritage. This track aims to aggregate and promote the sustainable rediscovery of those places, which are largely cut off from the routes of mass tourism, in adherence to the most recent European and local cultural and landscape guidelines.

Religious tourism in Mongolia and opport unities for its development

Religious tourism is a growing branch of tourism and religious studies. In this study, we have considered how researchers have studies religious tourism in our country. In the future, religious tourism can be developed based on the experience of other countries about the resources and opportunities for independent development, as well as the rich history, culture, archaeological finds, temples and natural beauty that have been passed down to us through the religion of God, temples, ruins of temples, museums, and it was told about the possibility of observing the presence of pictures, sculptures, castings, appliques, and objects as a means of religious tourism and a route with a specific purpose.It is also possible to attract the interest of travelers and tourists by explaining that all things, including temples and shrines, have their symbols, customs and meanings in the context of religious tourism. This year, due to historical events such as the appointment of X Bogda Jawzandamba and the change of abbot of Gandantekechenlin Monastery, the Mongolian God Religious Center, we tried to put forward our suggestions on the possibility of developing the Mongolian Traditional Religion of Gods as a center for god worshipers, religious tourism and pilgrimage.
 Монгол Улс дахь шашны аялал жуулчлал, хөгжүүлэх боломж
 ХураангуйАялал жуулчлал, шашин судлалын салбарт хавсарга асуудал мэт хоцорч байгаа сэдэв бол шашны аялал жуулчлал билээ. Бид энэхүү өгүүлэлдээ манай улсад шашны аялал жуулчлалыг судлаачид хэрхэн авч үзэж байгааг тоймлохыг зорилоо. Мөн цаашид шашны аялал жуулчлалыг бие даасан салбар болгон хөгжүүлэх нөөц боломжийг зарим орны туршлага жишээнд үндэслэн хөгжүүлж болох тухай, тэрчлэн бидэнд бурхны шашнаар дамжин өвлөж ирсэн арвин түүх, соёл, археологийн олдвор, сүм хийд хийгээд байгалийн үзэсгэлэнтэй хосолмол байдлаар орших сүм хийд, сүм хийдийн туурь, музей, уран зураг, уран баримал, цутгамал, наамал, хөөмөл байгааг шашны аялал жуулчлалын бүтээгдэхүүн, тодорхой зорилготой маршрут болгож ашиглах боломжийн тухай өгүүлэв.Мөн бурхны шашны сүм хийд орон тэргүүтэй бүхий л эд зүйл нь угтаа бэлгэдэл, ёс, утга агуулгатай байдгийг шашны аялал жуулчлалын хүрээнд домогчлон, түүхчлэн тайлбарласнаар аялагч, жуулчдын сонирхлыг татах боломжтой юм. Энэ онд X Богд Жавзандамба тодорсон, Монголын Бурхан Шашинтны Төв Гандантэгчэнлин хийдийн тэргүүн хамба лам солигдсон зэрэг түүхэн үйл явдлууд тохиолдсонтой холбоотойгоор цаашид монголын уламжлалт бурхны шашин нь бурхны шашинтны төв, шашны аялал жуулчлал, эргэл мөргөлийн төв болон хөгжих боломжийн тухай өөрсдийн саналаа дэвшүүлэхийг хичээв.Tүлхүүр үгс: аялал жуулчлал, шашны аялал жуулчлал, бурхны шашин буддын шашин

Sense of Place pada Kawasan Masjid Tua di Pekojan Jakarta untuk Landasan Revitalisasi Kawasan

The Pekojan area is a residence that has historic old mosques in Jakarta which are still used by the community every day. This condition causes this environment to actually have the potential to become a religious tourism area and an object that forms the character of a leading historical city area in Jakarta. This research focuses on the area's sense of place as an important element in carrying out revitalization to improve the character and quality of the area. The method used is a qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of observations and interviews. The results of the research show that in order to strengthen the character and sense of place of the area, it is necessary to: (1) Strengthen urban design elements to support increasing the area's sense of place such as signage, construction of pedestrian paths, availability of parking and good environmental circulation, (2) Participation-based programs community to act as a form of informal supporting activity such as managing mosques, social and economic activities that support tourism activities.

Pilgrimage tourism in Uttarakhand Himalaya: Pilgrims’ inflows and trends

This article aims to describe pilgrimage tourism in the Uttarakhand Himalaya: pilgrims’ inflows and trends. Pilgrimages – highlands and valleys are the main centers of spiritual tourism in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Data on pilgrims’ inflow in the major pilgrimage centers from 2000 to 2018 were gathered from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Dehradun. The pilgrims from Indian subcontinents and abroad have been visiting the pilgrimage centers for time immemorial. Inflows of pilgrims in the pilgrimage centers vary from the river valley pilgrimages to the highland pilgrimages. Haridwar, a valley pilgrimage, receives the highest inflow of pilgrims, which is more than 50% of the total pilgrims’ inflows. Meanwhile, Yamunotri, a highland pilgrimage has the lowest inflow of pilgrims from within and outside countries. The main reason for the change in the number of pilgrims in these highland and valley pilgrimages was the availability of infrastructural facilities in the form of transportation and accommodation. In terms of the trends of pilgrims’ inflows during the period, it is not uniform. The state of Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate-induced calamities, which are highly catastrophic, and leads to land degradation and roadblocks. The pilgrimage season in the Himalaya falls during the monsoon season when happy rainfall occurs. High rainfall variability has led to changing the number of pilgrims. This study reveals that pilgrimage tourism has immense potential for the economic development of the Uttarakhand Himalaya if suitable tourism infrastructural facilities are provided.

Peran Dinas Kebudayaan Dan Pariwisata Kota Tanjungpinang Dalam Ajang Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (ADWI) Studi Kasus: Pulau Penyengat Kota Tanjungpinang

Penyengat Island is included in the cultural tourism destinations in Tanjungpinang City, which is located in Tanjungpinang District, Riau Islands Province. There is a very strong religious tourism on Penyengat Island, one of which is pilgrimage tourism. Penyengat Island also has heritage buildings from the Riau Lingga Kingdom, Malay arts, gurindam 12, and customs that are still strong in their authenticity. The aim of this research is to look at the role, challenges and follow-up of the Tanjungpinang City Culture and Tourism Department in winning Penyengat Island at the "ADWI" Indonesian Tourism Village Award event. This research uses qualitative descriptive research. From the results of this research, it was found that the role carried out by the Disbudpar is to include it by registering Penyengat Island in the "JADESTA" Tourism Village Network application, the challenge is to apply a tourism conscious spirit to the people of Penyengat Island and digital marketing is a follow-up carried out by the Disbudpar in promoting Penyengat Island through the media social and determined through the Decree of the Mayor of Tanjungpinang Number 126 of 2023 concerning the Designation of Penyengat Island as a Tourist Village in Tanjungpinang City.

Sustainable Tourism: Cultural and Historical Tourism Destination, Bulang District, Batam City

Batam City is one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, side by side with Jakarta and Bali. Various tourist destinations are available in Batam City such as shopping tourism, sports tourism, marine tourism, MICE tourism, culinary tourism, religious tourism. As an area that was once the center of civilization in the past, Bulang District is one of the administrative areas of Batam City which still maintains the original cultural identity of Batam City. The various cultures and history have the potential to be developed as a tourist destination. However, currently these various potentials have not been utilized optimally. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. Researchers try to get a picture of the actual conditions in the field and explain it in the form of a description. Retrieval of informants using purposive sampling. The data analysis used is Miles and Huberman's interactive model. The results of the study show that Bulang District has the potential to be developed as a cultural and historical tourism destination. There is a lot of cultural and historical heritage, both Tangible Culture and Intangible Culture. The Jogi Dance from the Basri Beach Studio represents the original culture of Batam City. In addition, there are also historical relics such as the Old Forest of Pulau Buluh, Happy Shop, Jami Nurul Iman Mosque, Samudera Bhakti Temple, Temenggung Abdul Jamal Funeral Complex, Temenggung Abdul Jamal's legacy weapons such as Pauh Janggih Washing Feet, Spears, Swords, Keris, Sundang, Talam and Plates. Aspects of supporting tourism, 1) Road accessibility and communication are well available, 2) Additional facilities are minimal, 3) Additional services are limited. So it needs sustainable planning and development so that the existing potential can be utilized optimally. In addition, synergy is needed between the government and various parties.