Boosting Green Innovation through Pilgrimage Tourism: Insights and Strategies for Sustainable Growth

What is it about?

This study investigates the role of pilgrimage tourism in promoting green innovation by examining the factors influencing such efforts, with a focus on Ethiopia. It employs semi-structured, in-depth interviews with religious figures and pilgrims, supported by secondary sources, to understand how pilgrimage tourism can sustain green innovation. The findings highlight the importance of integrating pilgrimage capabilities with religious organizations to maintain green practices, rather than relying on a scattered consciousness. The study emphasizes the necessity of practice-based teaching and spiritual adherence to cultivate green innovative behavior among pilgrims. It argues that the intersection of pilgrims and religious organizations can aid in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in developing regions like Africa. The research provides insights for destination management organizations, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders to leverage pilgrimage tourism for promoting environmental sustainability.

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Photo by mulugeta wolde on Unsplash

Photo by mulugeta wolde on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study investigates the role of pilgrimage tourism in promoting green innovation and how it can align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, particularly in less developed regions like Africa. It highlights the potential of pilgrimage tourism to contribute to environmental sustainability by linking religious practices and organizations with green initiatives. The research provides insights that can aid destination management organizations, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders in fostering environmentally responsible tourism practices. Key Takeaways: 1. The research demonstrates that the integration of pilgrimage tourism with religious organizations is critical for sustaining green innovation, emphasizing the need for a practice-based teaching approach and spiritual adherence to eco-friendly behaviors. 2. Findings reveal that religious tourism, particularly pilgrimage, is not only a significant economic driver but also a potential mechanism for promoting environmental sustainability by instilling a sense of responsibility toward the environment among pilgrims. 3. The study underscores the importance of green innovation in mitigating climate crises affecting tourist destinations, particularly sacred sites, by adopting strategies like energy conservation, pollution reduction, and resource efficiency.