Religious Tourism Research Articles

Synergy practice of religious tourism development in bangkalan regency in the era of digitalization

This study aims to look at the potential of religious tourism in Bangkalan Regency, known for its high level of religiosity which is relevant to the majority of Indonesian Muslims. This research is very interesting to be studied, explored, developed and integrated through religious tourism package programs to preserve and also contribute to increasing Regional Original Revenue (PAD) in Bangkalan Regency. In this paper, the problem lies in the synergy carried out by the social structure in the effort to develop religious tourism in the digital era which is still lacking due to the lack of expertise in the insight of tourism management even though it is an opportunity in the development of religious tourism. The method in this study uses qualitative research with an interpretive approach that describes the tourism potential and the extent of synergy built by the social structure by looking at the functions of the existing social structure. The results of this study state that (1) The practice of social structure in the development of religious tourism is less synergized, there is a need for intensive guidance, especially in resource management (2) The importance of implementing social systems, cultural systems and personality systems in efforts to develop religious tourism in Bangkalan Regency. Therefore, the importance of tourism development, especially religious tourism with the pentahelix model, so that the potential in Bangkalan Regency can develop optimally.

The old man by the waterfall: deep entanglements of culture, state-making and geopolitics in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, a state in Northeast India, is going through a phase of rapid infrastructural expansion, a phenomenon intensified due to the state’s geostrategic location. Despite the colonial enterprise of frontier-making and the resulting securitisation of space, the presence of the eastern Himalayan frontier has historically infused the region with elements of both steadfastness and dynamism, as its spatial fluidity persists in one form or the other. Meanwhile, despite being situated in a Himalayan corridor, the region finds itself entangled in the contentious politics in which states in South and Southeast Asia are locked. Drawing on ethnographic experiences from two geopolitically sensitive and spatially significant places, Menchukha and Namsai, situated on the eastern Himalayan slopes at Arunachal Pradesh, this article discusses the paradoxical conditions of ‘selective permeability’ (Popescu 2015: 50) that often informs contemporary border regimes, where factors favouring cross-border mobility are weighed against the demands of maintaining territorial integrity. In this context, this article looks at some prominent sites of pilgrimage and religious tourism to understand the differential attention they receive from the state, revealing a complex assemblage of spatial dynamics, cultural logics and geostrategic rationales that operate in geopolitically charged borderlands.

Unveiling the Enigma of Digital Religious Tourism and its Captivating Pull-On Millennials

Unveiling the Enigma of Digital Religious Tourism and its Captivating Pull-On Millennials

Examining Religious Tourists, Behavior at the Beigang Chaotian Temple in Taiwan

Examining Religious Tourists, Behavior at the Beigang Chaotian Temple in Taiwan

ESCALATING THE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE OF GURU SEKUMPUL TOMB'S RELIGIOUS TOURISM THROUGH MARKETING COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

Religious tourism holds a significant position in the global tourism industry, attracting visitors to culturally and spiritually significant pilgrimage sites. Indonesia, ranked second in The Global Travel Muslim Index 2022, has witnessed a rise in Muslim tourists exploring religious destinations. Ensuring the sustainability of religious tourism and enhancing the spiritual pilgrimage experience necessitates critical thinking, innovative approaches, and effective communication strategies. Promotion through social media is crucial for marketing religious tourism destinations. However, challenges persist in Indonesia's tourist development due to the absence of an integrated marketing communication strategy. Research emphasizes the importance of communication strategies and the preservation of cultural and religious diversity for the sustainability of religious tourism. In South Kalimantan, despite the potential for religious tourism, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in visitor numbers. Employing a qualitative approach, including interviews and SWOT analysis, this study formulates a strategic communication plan for promoting the Guru Sekumpul Tomb. The strategy focuses on product packaging, nuanced marketing communication, a serene pilgrimage ambiance, and leveraging digital media platforms, along with collaboration with local stakeholders and optimal use of natural resources. Ultimately, integrating innovative knowledge and skills is crucial for the success and sustained viability of religious tourist sites, concurrently elevating the spiritual pilgrimage experience.

Penerapan Algoritma Dijkstra dalam Pencarian Rute Terpendek Wisata Religi

Pilgrimages to the graves of Waliyullah and the spreaders of Islam have become spiritual or religious tourism for Muslims in Java and even almost all Muslims in Indonesia. This opens up opportunities for travel agents to help pilgrims on religious tourism trips. One travel agency that offers religious tour packages is PT Mitra Jaya Group which operates in the Banyuwangi area, East Java. Many travel agencies are trying to increase their competitiveness, to survive competition between travel agencies, especially in improving services and financial management. One way that can be done is to determine the shortest route for religious tourism so that the distance traveled is minimal, where previously the route chosen was not based on proper research. In this paper, the search for the shortest route is carried out by applying the Dijkstra algorithm. The application of the Dijkstra algorithm can provide benefits regarding the shortest distance to religious tourism routes from PT Mitra Jaya Group. From the analysis results, the total shortest distance obtained was 2768.8 kilometers. The resulting shortest route distance is smaller than the distance before using the Dijkstra algorithm, namely 3005.6 kilometers. The difference is 236.8 kilometers and there is a distance saving of 7.87

Religious tourism and climate change: a qualitative study on India’s sinking Himalayan town

Religion serves as an identifier that goes beyond national boundaries, and, as a result, it has an impact on numerous environmentally significant actions. Therefore, understanding its influence is crucial in addressing climate change-related issues that are inherently transboundary. To comprehend the cultural aspects of climate change, it is essential to acknowledge its religious dimensions. Given that climate change is interwoven with human activities, it is also intertwined with religion’s influence on human behavior and lifestyle. In light of this, the present study is designed to explore the factors that are responsible for the climate- and environment-related issues in the Himalayan town of Joshimath from the religious perspective. This study adopts a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews conducted with local residents. To attain the study’s objectives, thematic and content analysis was used to examine the data via NVivo 12. The study identifies four factors intertwined with religion that are leading to climate change, namely: (1) perception and faith; (2) consumption patterns; (3) willingness to take action; and (4) geographical location. Analysis also revealed that religion influences numerous facets of lifestyle that impact the environment. The findings from this study will provide valuable assistance to policy makers in creating a suitable framework to sustain the destination. Furthermore, the research contributes theoretically by examining the overarching connection between religion and climate change.

Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Rural Tourism Villages: A Case Study of Ngargoretno Village, Indonesia

The development of rural tourism villages has emerged as a significant alternative in transforming subsistence agriculture patterns in rural areas, often characterized by irregular income streams that barely sustain basic needs. The trend of rural tourism village development is observed in many subsistence farming communities, leveraging the unique potential of natural and cultural resources that can be tapped through village fund utilization. The initiation of rural tourism village development in Ngargoretno Village began with community-driven efforts and a communal spirit to realize the concept of such a village. The village authorities also provided support by allocating village funds and empowerment activities, including training sessions for the youth who play a pivotal role in driving rural tourism village development. This research aims to describe the collaborative efforts between the community and village authorities in realizing rural tourism villages and identify the success factors in rural tourism village development. This research adopts a qualitative approach, with data collection conducted through observations and interviews with key stakeholders from the community and village authorities involved in rural tourism village development. The theoretical foundation of this research lies in empowerment theory, emphasizing the involvement of various stakeholders, including village authorities, educational institutions, and community organizations in rural tourism village development. The findings reveal active community involvement in infrastructure development such as roads, enhancement of tourist attractions through cleaning and painting marble, and the establishment of public facilities such as toilets. Furthermore, partnerships with educational institutions like Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Magelang Tourism Office have enriched tourism packages by introducing additional attractions such as tea plantation tours and religious tourism and promoting local cuisine. The development of rural tourism villages is also expected to increase the income of Ngargoretno Village residents through a rise in tourist visits from outside the village and the creation of new employment opportunities for the younger generation. Optimism persists, fueled by the enthusiastic spirit of village authorities and the community in developing the concept of rural tourism villages.

The Community Cultural Tourism: Linking Religious Tourism, Karawitan, and Local Business in Puhsarang, Kediri

Puhsarang Village is one of the religious tourism destinations in Kediri District that has the uniqueness of inculturation (adaption of church values and culture) as well as a place for meditative encounters of religious people throughout the region. The pandemic has hit the existing tourism sector and resulted in a decrease in small business income around tourist attractions. Some of the businesses affected include souvenir shops, wood sculpture, food stalls, and ‘bumbu kacang’ peanut paste production. In an effort to support Puhsarang's economic potential, the community service team carried out two main activities, namely product improvement assistance and designing social media utilization and marketplace management for local businesses. Secondly, promoting the art of karawitan as a unique characteristic of the Puhsarang tourism village. The empowerment method is carried out collaboratively with the PALAR approach, starting from the process of discussing business problems to the stage of reflecting on the business going forward. The assistance provided by the CED Team is expected to be a forum to support Community Cultural Tourism through the participation of local communities in exploring the potential of religious tourism and cultural inculturation that characterizes Puhsarang and ultimately can foster economic stretching around the village of Puhsarang.

Auroville, the city of Nature's Yoga: material, spiritual and sustainable architecture and urbanism

This article aims to reflect on ongoing research that investigates cosmopolitical and spiritual practices in Auroville, an urban experience in southern India that emerged from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950), creator of Integral Yoga, philosopher, yogi, poet and icon of the nationalist struggle. This city adopts sustainable urban planning and architecture techniques that seek to be an example for the creation of a new human being integrated into the cosmos, living a collective life centered on the Yoga of Nature. Auroville aims to be "the city the world needs" and to inspire other cities towards sustainable practices, enabling a transformation in the world. The city center is a temple dedicated to concentration and meditation, but not linked to any religion. Ecological and spiritual practices act as guidelines for a more balanced and natural collective life, enabling an integration of material-spiritual architecture and urbanism with nature. The methodology used included in-depth interviews and participant observation during the field visit. The one-month experience in Auroville showed that, despite its many positive aspects, the contradictions inherent in such an experience are inevitable. The concentration of national and international resources, the recovery of the soil and forest, the solutions to guarantee drinking water supplies, roads, paths and infrastructure in general have changed the entire region. Spiritual tourism and commercial migration have contributed to a process of micro-regional real estate speculation. An internal conflict over the direction of the city and its surroundings, over the very integration of city-nature, is worrying Aurovillians today.

Effect of Religious Belief, Mental Relaxation and Cultural Enjoyment on Behavioral Intention of Tourists to Visit Lumbini, Nepal

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of religious beliefs, cultural enjoyment, and mental relaxation on the behavioral intention of religious tourists in Lumbini. Data for the study were collected from three hundred and eighty-four respondents in Lumbini, comprising both domestic and international religious tourists. The Ordinary Least Squares Method (OLS) was adopted to analyze the collected data. Similarly, Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation technique was used to measure the correlation between religious belief, cultural enjoyment, mental relaxation, and behavioral intention. The correlation results show a moderate level of relation between the variables. The findings of the study reveal a significant effect of religious belief, cultural enjoyment, and mental relaxation on the behavioral intention of religious tourists at Lumbini. Religious beliefs have a higher influence on the behavior of the tourists than the other two variables.

INSTAGRAMABLE PILGRIMAGE: SPIRITUALISM, CONSERVATISM AND COMMODIFIED RELIGION ON INDONESIAN CELEBGRAMS POSTS

Economic development, technological advances, infrastructure improvements, and religious awakening have increased the practice of religious journey (pilgrimage), including among Muslims in Indonesia. Young celebrities have actively shared their religious journeys on social media as self-expression and religious testimony. These uploads are religion online’ that provide religious information to the public, especially to their followers. This article is a qualitative study on the phenomenon of religious travel in contemporary Indonesia. This study takes the case of three Muslim female celebrities who are public figures in Indonesia. By analyzing their uploads related to religious travel (or what we call instagrammable pilgrimages) on Instagram during the pandemic and post-pandemic period (July 2021 to April 2023), we find that the phenomenon of religious travel can be examined in terms of its impact on human behavior and that an increase in Islamic religiosity can be observed and registered in the space of spiritualism and the use of religion for the economy, rather than simply an increase in conservatism.

Pengembangan Wisata Religi Petilasan Nyai Mas Gamparan Gong Suprayoga dan Gambang Caning Desa Tanjungsari Kecamatan Pabuaran Kabupaten Serang

The name Nyaimas Gamparan is still somewhat foreign to the ears of Banten residents Nyaimas Gamparan is a descendant who was born in Surakarta. But his work in fighting the colonizers is worth remembering. Nyaimas Gamparan's rebellion against the Dutch rejected the culturrstelsel forced planting system that would be implemented in Banten in 1883. Nyaimas Gamparan firmly sounded the drums of war with the Dutch. The Dutch troops, who were almost defeated by Nyaimas Gamparan's troops at that time, quickly organized a strategy to pit the people against each other. Because of this, Nyaimas Gamparan's hiding place was known and surrounded by the colonial troops so that the strategy and secrecy and hiding place or ascetic Nyaimas Gamparan leaked into the hands of the Dutch, so that Nyimas Gamparan was besieged when fighting against the Dutch. Until now in the Banten region the tomb of Nyaimas Gamparan is unknown. However, the place of patilasan or gathering place to organize the strategy of war against the Dutch is in Kadaung Village, Tanjung Sari Village, Pabuaran District, Serang Regency. The purpose of this Community Service activity is to develop religious tourism through group 60 KKM activities with Bina Bangsa University Lecturers and the Education and Culture Office of Serang Regency.

A Study of Tourism Potential in Igatpuri Tahasil of Nashik District

Abstract: The study of this paper aims to study the various religious, Natural and cultural destination of Nashik District. Cultural, Natural tourism destinations (or pilgrim-towns as conventionally known) are special places where urbanization processes are driven by visitor influxes that visit these places for cultural and religious reasons.) Nashik boards of a large number of popular and revered religious cultural venues that are heavily frequented by locals as well as international tourists. Nashik has many religious cultural sites and pilgrimage places for different faiths. For this paper used secondary research methodology has been used for research for data collection, secondary data collected from, the literature the review also government agency data, tourism online news has been collected. This paper emphasizes the emergence of religious tourism in Nashik District and also explored the potential growth and suggested some solutions for development Igatpuri tourism in Nashik

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.