International Journal of Modern Developments in Engineering and Science 1

Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2024

https://www.ijmdes.com | ISSN (Online): 2583-3138

The Economic Dimension of Religious Heritage

Sites and Community Wellbeing
Ehsan Kandil1*, Hoda A. Allah Kandil2, Mahmoud Elmohmady Abd El-Hady Salama3
1
Ph.D. Student, Communication, Educational, and Humanities School, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Spain
2
Professor, Egyptology, Faculty of Hotels and Tourism, El Sadat University, Egypt
3
Assistant Professor, Touristic Guidance, King Marriott Academy, Egypt

Abstract: Tourism is a vital driver of community development recreational facilities, thereby elevating overall quality of life
and well-being, especially in disadvantaged regions, post-conflict (Kim et al., 2013).
environments, and developing economies. This study explores
Levy and Hawkins (2009) underscore that ethnic and
tourism's positive impacts, emphasizing its role in creating
employment, stimulating economic growth, enhancing religious conflicts often stem from underlying social, economic,
infrastructure, and improving living standards by bolstering and cultural insecurities. Consequently, tourism's economic
healthcare, transportation, and recreational amenities. Beyond advantages, such as poverty alleviation, increased employment
financial gains, tourism plays a key role in reducing poverty, opportunities, and heightened income levels, not only
elevating income levels, and fostering peace in regions marked by contribute to conflict resolution but also foster peace
ethnic and religious tensions. The research focuses on investigating
consolidation in regions devoid of armed hostilities.
the economic benefits of religious tourism on local communities
and their socio-economic progress at heritage sites worldwide. According to Moufakkir and Kelly (2010), tourism yields
Through a secondary data analysis approach, this study numerous economic benefits. It has emerged as a vital
synthesizes existing scholarly literature from reputable academic economic driver in many developing nations and demonstrates
sources like Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, a considerable capacity to bolster ancillary sectors like
concentrating on the economic effects of religious tourism on agriculture, transportation, and handicrafts. Noteworthy for its
diverse heritage sites globally using specific keywords. Case
labor-intensive nature, the tourism industry offers ample
studies of pilgrimage sites such as Santiago de Compostela,
Lourdes, and Mecca underscore the substantial economic employment prospects for youth and women, with minimal
contributions of religious tourism to national economies, barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises. Jaafar
showcasing demographic changes, job creation, and et al. (2015) provide examples illustrating how tourism has
infrastructure enhancements. While acknowledging challenges expanded access to leisure and entertainment services in
like price inflation and cultural commodification, the study Australia. Moreover, the growing tourism industry in
advocates for sustainable practices and stakeholder collaboration
Langkawi, Malaysia, has spurred government efforts to
to ensure economic benefits are balanced with cultural
preservation and community well-being, underscoring the improve public services such as law enforcement, emergency
transformative potential of religious tourism in driving economic response, transportation, healthcare, and public amenities to
prosperity and infrastructure development. meet the needs of both tourists and residents. Mishra and Verma
(2017) affirm the indisputable role of tourism in facilitating
Keywords: religious tourism, economic impacts, local economic recovery post-crisis and alleviating extreme poverty.
communities, socio-economic progress, religious heritage sites.
In light of these insights, it is crucial to investigate how the
economic benefits originating from religious tourism at various
1. Introduction
heritage locations worldwide impact local communities and
The positive impact of the tourism industry on community support their socio-economic progress.
well-being is exemplified by its capacity to foster community
development in diverse contexts, including impoverished 2. Methodology
regions, post-conflict environments, and developing nations,
This study adopts a secondary data analysis strategy to
through the creation of employment opportunities
explore the economic implications of religious tourism on local
(Wintersteiner & Wohlmuthe, 2013). In addition, tourism plays
communities at diverse heritage sites globally. The research
a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life within local
primarily focuses on consolidating existing scholarly literature
communities by facilitating economic growth that, in turn,
sourced from academic databases like Google Scholar, Scopus,
enables the improvement of essential amenities such as
and Web of Science. The aim is to pinpoint pertinent academic
recreational spaces, parks, and infrastructure. Notably, these
papers that delve into the economic effects of religious tourism
economic advantages extend to societal benefits encompassing
on local communities using keywords such as "religious
enhanced healthcare services, transportation systems, and
tourism," "religious heritage sites," and "socio-economic
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Kandil et al. International Journal of Modern Developments in Engineering and Science, VOL. 3, NO. 3, MARCH 2024 2

impact." perspective on religious tourism and its socioeconomic

implications on the Greek island of Tinos. The majority of
3. Results and Discussion inhabitants view religious tourism positively for its
Economics and religion wield significant influence in contributions to job opportunities, income, and personal
shaping global history. The evident intersection of religion and earnings. Nonetheless, concerns are raised that religious
tourism prompts scholars to delve deeply into investigating the tourism may inflate the prices of goods, land, and properties.
financial impacts of religious heritage sites. Numerous studies Graave et al. (2017) emphasize the significant outcomes of
scrutinizing the economic repercussions of religious tourism religious tourism in Spain's Galicia region for the local
have unearthed myriad instances where such tourism has populace. The city draws millions of tourists and pilgrims
wielded a profound influence on economies across all strata worldwide annually. Their research indicates that in 2010,
(Terzidou & Stylidi, 2008). religious tourism in Galicia generated a gross revenue ranging
Russell (1999) posits that historically, pilgrimage served as a from €59.750 million to €99.575 million, creating 1,362 to
major economic driver for pilgrim destinations, leading to the 2,162 job opportunities. The tourism sector accounts for a
development of diverse facilities catering to pilgrims. This substantial portion of employment (around 10.6% in 2010) in
trend persists today, with pilgrimage sites like Santiago de Galicia, benefiting various industries such as retail, travel
Compostela, Lourdes, and Mecca serving as linchpins of their services, manufacturing, finance, and real estate.
countries' national economies. He and Wang (2022) shed light on Tibet, China's primary
Examining the influence of religious tourism on population Buddhist region. The allure of Tibet, with its Himalayan
dynamics, the French Catholic pilgrimage center of Lourdes, landscape and religious significance, draws a substantial
attracting around 6 million visitors annually, serves as a number of international tourists annually. This surge not only
compelling example. Since its establishment in 1858 as a bolsters the local tourism sector but also catalyzes economic
renowned pilgrimage site, Lourdes has experienced a steady growth in the region. Buddhism's origins in India make
increase in its population as people from nearby areas moved Buddhist pilgrimage a promising venture for tourism in the
there in pursuit of job opportunities arising from pilgrimage- country.
related activities (Rinschede, 1992). The presence of visitors Studies reveal that rural areas boasting numerous religious
and pilgrims at Lourdes has led to a transformation of the tourism sites fare better than their counterparts in terms of rural
cityscape to meet their requirements, resulting in a clear community welfare. Mahmoudi et al. (2015) note that in rural
separation between a commercial district housing cafe, gift areas with potential for religious tourism, the sector not only
shops, and hotels and a sacred area comprising pilgrimage brings economic benefits to local communities but also
chapels and churches (Terzidou & Stylidi, 2008). Additionally, invigorates agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, local
well-constructed pathways link Lourdes to the commercial culinary arts, handicrafts, housing, among other economic
centers of the town. sectors. Furthermore, tourism aids in curbing rural migration,
Gupta (1999) notes that most pilgrimage sites in India have particularly among young individuals.
shops selling unique souvenirs to tourists. The trade of religious Chigozie et al. (2018) conduct a comprehensive study on the
keepsakes such as blessed water, religious emblems, candles, economic impacts of religious tourism on Nigeria. Their
and other symbols, seen in places like Assisi, Italy, and research underscores the significance of religious tourism as a
Lourdes, France, significantly adds to the local income. pivotal economic driver in the country, fostering job creation,
Terzidou and Stylidi (2008) point out that various services like infrastructural development, and revenue generation. The
markets, travel agencies, restaurants, hotels, and even medical proliferation of religious tourism sites across Nigeria has
facilities create job opportunities for residents. spurred economic activities in surrounding communities,
Islamic pilgrimages to Mecca stand as Saudi Arabia's leading to the establishment of accommodations, eateries,
second-largest economic driver after oil, as highlighted by transportation services, and souvenir shops. These
Aktas & Ekin (2007). Each year, Saudi Arabia welcomes over developments contribute substantially to local economies,
3 million pilgrims for the Islamic Hajj (Rotherham, 2007). The offering employment opportunities and stimulating growth in
annual revenue from pilgrimages reaches about $8 billion, with various sectors.
Saudi Arabia investing $35 billion in pilgrim infrastructure over However, various criminal activities have been documented
the past 30 years (Terzidou & Stylidi, 2008). in the vicinity, including incidents of bags and phones being
The small town of Epworth in the United Kingdom thrives stolen from individuals walking along the monastery road, as
on religious tourism as the birthplace of John Wesley, the well as reports of missing persons. According to Terzidou and
founder of Methodism. Despite facing economic hardships in Stylidi (2008), communities benefiting economically from
the past, the town now benefits significantly from the influx of tourism, influenced by social exchange theory, tend to prioritize
thousands of visitors (Rotherham, 2007). Another illustrative the expansion of tourism. Nevertheless, the growth of religious
case from the UK is York, where tourism contributes £250 tourism can also give rise to new conflicts. Some scholars argue
million annually and supports 9,000 jobs, partly due to the that the commercial aspects of religious tourism can detract
attraction of between 1.6 and 2.2 million visitors to York from the spiritual essence of heritage sites, transforming them
Minster Cathedral each year (Rotherham, 2007). from places of reverence and appreciation for divine creations
Terzidou and Stylidi (2008) delve into the local community into avenues for personal gratification (Olsen & Timothy,
Kandil et al. International Journal of Modern Developments in Engineering and Science, VOL. 3, NO. 3, MARCH 2024 3

2006). seen as a positive aspect (Olsen & Timothy, 2006).

Aulet and Vidal (2018) bring attention to a major issue where
some historical religious sites may face an overwhelming influx 4. Conclusion
of visitors, termed an "invasion." As a result, several In summary, religious tourism has a significant economic
governments have introduced regulations to deter tourism. For influence, shaping economies and boosting the financial status
instance, Bhutan, a mountainous kingdom, has imposed of regions hosting religious sites. Studies consistently show the
restrictions on certain areas to protect the local culture. Bhutan economic advantages of spiritual tourism, including the
has concluded that the negative aspects of tourism, such as the creation of jobs, stimulating economic growth in sectors like
theft of artifacts, degradation and looting of monasteries, and retail, hospitality, and transportation, and improving
erosion of local customs, outweigh the advantages (Hough, infrastructure in areas with religious sites. The arrival of tourists
1990). can lead to changes in demographics, urban layouts, and land
Timothy (2013) explains that the evident economic usage, as seen in places like Lourdes and Epworth, which have
advantages can lead to tensions between neighboring countries, grown and prospered economically due to religious tourism.
as seen in the case of the 900-year-old Hindu temple Preah Despite these economic benefits, the rapid growth of
Vihear, situated on the Thai-Cambodian border. This temple religious tourism brings challenges that need addressing. Issues
holds significant cultural value and is designated as a UNESCO such as cultural appropriation, disputes over ownership and
World Heritage Site. It stands as a cultural and historical access to heritage sites, and disruptions to local religious
symbol for both nations. Since 1907, when the border was customs may arise. Problems like vandalism, theft, and
demarcated, placing the temple within Cambodian territory, overcrowding can threaten cultural heritage, highlighting the
territorial disputes have plagued the surrounding area. Thailand need for regulations to protect these sites and maintain their
took action in 1954 by stationing soldiers in the region but importance for future generations.
eventually ceased the practice following international To manage the complexities of religious tourism,
intervention. A 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice stakeholders should prioritize sustainable practices that balance
confirmed Cambodian ownership of the temple, a decision economic gains with preserving culture and community well-
contested by Thailand. In 2011, conflicts persisted along the being. Collaborative efforts among government entities,
borders, breaching the ceasefire agreement. The Cambodian residents, and tourism stakeholders are vital to address
military reported damage to a section of the temple during these challenges, promote responsible tourism, and ensure that the
armed confrontations by the Thai army. economic advantages of religious tourism are leveraged in a
Aulet and Vidal (2018) delve into the scenario at Songtseling way that respects and conserves the cultural heritage of these
Monastery, which draws a significant number of tourists yearly. sites. By proactively addressing these issues, regions can
Revenue from ticket sales has become crucial for both the optimize the positive impact of religious tourism while
monastery and the local government. Due to financial safeguarding the integrity of their artistic and religious
considerations, tourists are allowed to remain within the traditions.
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