Original scientific paper

Religious Tourism: Economic Value or an Empty Box?

Boris Vukonić ; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This article tries to explain and support the thesis that economic impacts of religion/tourism relationship should not be underestimated. Taking into account the fact that tourism is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, it is almost impossible to examine religion and its specific relationships to tourism: economic, social and cultural. Based on theoretical research of scholars it can be said that the two phenomena - religion and tourism - have much too common. Today, it is hard to get away with the impression that in most places of pilgrimage the profane impacts of tourism are greater due to the religious reasons. Even in the so called ‘hard-line’ or conservative religions of the world, because of their strict observance of religious duties of their adherents, such benefits are no longer denied.

Keywords

tourism; religion; pilgrimage; tourism development

Hrčak ID:

34383

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/34383

Publication date:

1.5.1998.

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