Integrated model of religious tourism in underdeveloped destinations

Abstract

The development of religious tourism in underdeveloped destinations is a quite complex, demanding, and challenging process. This study aims to address the issues related to the management of religious tourism destination and therefore contribute to establishing the professional management structure within the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje as a religious tourism destination. In order to facilitate future planning and organization inside and outside the destination, an integrated model of religious tourism development that can be applied in all the destinations in an early stage of their development or in undeveloped destinations is proposed. For the purpose of this paper, the attitudes of local people regarding the current development of religious tourism in the area of Cetinje (Montenegro) were explored. The total number of 161 residents was examined using a questionnaire method. The research results show that religious tourism is not well-developed in this area and therefore it is necessary to define precise instructions for developing a tourism product of this type. Based on the research findings, mission, vision, and strategic goals for the sustainable development of religious tourism in Cetinje were defined.

Community Support for Religious Tourism

“…Each religious tourism study focuses on sites affiliated with a particular religion. However, ( (Bulatović & Stranjančević, 2019) confirms that sacred objects, attractions, and events are essential travel motives throughout history and now.…”

Vocación turística de los itinerarios religiosos y perspectivas de desarrollo territorial: el Camino de Santu Jacu en Cerdeña (Italia)

“…Tamén existen diferenzas en canto ao momento en que se realiza: nalgúns casos pode practicarse en calquera período do ano, como percorrer a Vía Francíxena ou o Camiño de Santiago; noutros, está vinculado a manifestacións ou acontecementos concretos, como os xubileus, as xornadas da mocidade ou os ritos da Semana Santa. Se consideramos que as primeiras grandes viaxes da historia foron realizadas por motivos de culto (Bulatović e Stranjančević, 2019), as peregrinacións e as viaxes espirituais poden considerarse, para todos os efectos, precursores do actual «turismo relixioso» (Lois González e López, 2015).…”

Semantic Icons: A Sentiment Analysis as a Contribution to Sustainable Tourism

“…However, it must also contribute to the intelligent integration of the actors in the distribution chain, which involves the generation and exchange of information and knowledge [26,27,33,76]. In addition, it should help improve the tourist experience as an essential activity [77] by also encouraging the protection of resources, the rescue of culture, and sources of employment [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

“…A great number of researchers have addressed these problems by motivating and proposing the promotion of tourist destinations by distinguishing different aspects. For example, the synergy between faith and religion as a cultural essence for the delineation of strategies [5][6][7]; the awareness of animal protection that regards them as elements that improve tourism and the economic potential of a place [8][9][10][11]; the handcrafting and agricultural impulse [12,13], along with ancestral practices [14,15] as a revitalizing economic alternative in rural areas; the development of gastronomy entrepreneurships as culture value; and the fight against poverty [16,17].…”