Religious Tourism: An Essential Reader

This thought-provoking book embarks into the captivating world of religious tourism and explores the intricate relationship between travel and spirituality, shedding light on whether tourists are seekers of profound meaning or simply pleasure-seekers.

In first section of the book, the chapters delve into the complex dynamics of pilgrimage landscapes, the significance of sacred heritage sites, and the evolving role of tourism in religious experiences. Part II of the volume digs deeper into the spiritual dimensions of religious tourism, examining the restorative benefits of spiritual retreats, the anthropology of spirituality and tourism, and the motivations of modern-day pilgrims.

Written in an accessible style, this volume invites readers from all backgrounds to explore the profound impact of religious tourism on individuals and societies alike. Engaging and enlightening, this volume is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the intersection of travel and spirituality.

The chapters in this book were originally published in Tourism Recreation Research.

Tzung-Cheng (TC) Huan is Professor at National Chiayi University, Taiwan. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Tourism Recreation Research and a member of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) Panel of Tourism Experts. He has been honored by the 2011-2012 Outstanding Reviewer Award from Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, the 2013, 2017, and 2018 Emerald Literati Awards, and the 2018 Publons Peer Review Award.

Anestis K. Fotiadis is Full Professor at Zayed University, College of Business, Department of Management, Abu Dhabi, UAE. His main area of research is associated with tourism management, event management, hospitality management and sustainable development. He has published more than 40 research papers in international academic journals such as Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Management, Journal of Business Research and others.

Nikolaos Stylos is Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Digital Innovation at the University of Bristol Business School, UK and Honorary Professor of Hospitality Management at Tainan University of Technology, Taiwan. He is an internationally recognised and awarded scholar specialising in marketing innovation, and digital transformation in the service industries.