Mapping of religious tourism and pilgrimage market: Study of selected religious locations in Goa

Abstract

This paper seeks to answers two basic research questions, firstly, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted people with respect to religious tourism and pilgrimage, and secondly how the untapped potential for religious tourism and pilgrimage can be utilised in the future. Nine religious sites in Goa, India were selected purposively so a route map can be developed which becomes easy for making a one-day trip from North to South Goa and vice versa. These sites were assessed to identify the status of the five destination attributes. From each of these nine locations, four respondents were identified purposively [a resident, a visitor, a caretaker, and a business owner each], totalling thirty-six respondents and these were used to assess perceptions about three different scenarios regarding the pandemic [pre-, during and post-]. Results reveal that almost all locations fulfil over 60 percent of the requirements when it comes to the status of destination attributes, with only two Mosques having some issues when it comes to accessibility during rush hour. This clearly shows the presence of responsible tourism in and around all of the nine religious locations. Finally, a route map is identified which clearly shows a one-day tour package could be developed and marketed in the future for attracting tourists who are having an inclination towards visiting religious locations.