What is it about?
The article "Religious Tourism Scholarship: Current State and Future Research Directions," co-authored by Prof. Ramphul Ohlan and Dr. Anshu Ohlan, offers a comprehensive analysis of the existing body of research on religious tourism and identifies emerging trends and future research avenues. Key Highlights of the Study: Knowledge Domain Investigation: The authors examine the breadth of scholarly work in religious tourism, analyzing 988 research articles published in Social Science Citation-indexed journals between 1992 and 2022. Trend Analysis: Through keyword and trend analyses, the study identifies prevalent themes and evolving topics within the field, providing insights into how religious tourism research has developed over time. Future Research Directions: The article suggests areas for future investigation to further enrich the understanding of religious tourism, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the exploration of under-researched topics. This study contributes significantly to the academic literature by mapping the intellectual structure of religious tourism research and proposing pathways for future scholarly endeavors.
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Why is it important?
The article "Religious Tourism Scholarship: Current State and Future Research Directions" is important for several key reasons: 1. Mapping the Knowledge Landscape The study systematically reviews decades of research (1992-2022), offering a clear, structured understanding of how religious tourism has evolved. It identifies major themes, gaps, and emerging areas — a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and tourism planners alike. 2. Understanding the Global and Local Impact Religious tourism is a significant global phenomenon, contributing to cultural exchange, economic development, and regional growth. In India, pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Amritsar, and Rishikesh attract millions of tourists. Analyzing this sector helps optimize infrastructure, preserve heritage, and balance commercialization with spirituality. 3. Bridging Disciplinary Gaps The article promotes interdisciplinary approaches — blending economics, sociology, cultural studies, and tourism management. This holistic perspective ensures we capture not only economic impacts but also social, environmental, and spiritual dimensions. 4. Setting the Agenda for Future Research By identifying under-researched areas, the study guides future scholars toward new questions. For example, how technology (like virtual pilgrimages), climate change, or global crises (like COVID-19) reshape religious tourism needs further exploration. 5. Policy and Practical Implications For policymakers and tourism boards, understanding trends in religious tourism can lead to better destination management, improved visitor experiences, and sustainable development strategies — ensuring local communities benefit alongside tourism growth. 6. Strengthening India’s Competitive Edge Given India’s rich spiritual heritage, insights from this work can help position the country as a leading global destination for religious and cultural tourism — supporting the vision of initiatives like Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh.
Perspectives
The perspective of "Religious Tourism Scholarship: Current State and Future Research Directions" blends analytical depth with forward-looking insights. Let’s break it down: 1. Academic Perspective The article positions religious tourism as more than just a form of travel — it’s presented as a complex socio-economic and cultural phenomenon. It bridges disciplines like economics, sociology, management, and cultural studies to give a broader, interconnected understanding. Key Insight: It challenges the traditional view of religious tourism as purely pilgrimage-based, recognizing it as a dynamic sector influenced by modernization, globalization, and changing traveler motivations. 2. Developmental and Economic Perspective Prof. Ohlan’s economic expertise shines through here. The study underscores the economic significance of religious tourism — particularly for emerging economies like India — highlighting its role in: • Generating employment • Boosting local businesses • Supporting infrastructure development • Driving regional economic growth Key Insight: It advocates for sustainable tourism strategies, ensuring the economic benefits don’t overshadow cultural preservation and environmental concerns. 3. Cultural and Social Perspective The article acknowledges that religious tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion. It explores how sacred sites are not just places of worship but also hubs for cultural exchange, identity formation, and community building. Key Insight: It promotes the idea that religious tourism has the power to strengthen cultural heritage while enhancing mutual respect between different faiths and communities. 4. Future-Oriented Perspective The article doesn’t just reflect on past and present research — it looks ahead. It emphasizes: • Technology integration (e.g., virtual pilgrimages) • Post-pandemic resilience (e.g., adapting to global crises) • Sustainability and environmental responsibility • Policy-driven destination management Key Insight: It urges future research to focus on innovative, adaptive, and sustainable models — ensuring religious tourism remains relevant and resilient. The Core Perspective: The article views religious tourism as a transformative force — blending economic opportunities with cultural preservation and social enrichment. It calls for holistic, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking research to guide both academia and policymakers.
Prof. Ramphul Ohlan
Maharshi Dayanand University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Religious tourism scholarship: current state and future research directions, Journal of Islamic Marketing, August 2023, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jima-05-2023-0152.
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