Motivation for tourists’ participation in religious tourism in Eastern Cape: A case study of Buffalo City, South Africa.

• Main Authors: Lwazi Apleni, Dr. Dinesh Vallabh, Unathi Sonwabile Henama
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2017-02-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: Religious; Economic; Tourism; Eastern Cape; South Africa; promotion
• Online Access: http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_7_vol_6__2__2017..pdf

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the motivation for tourists’ participation in religious tourism. Religious tourism has economic benefits for the tourism industry as it benefits local economic and social development. Moreover, it is one of the oldest forms of tourism and continues to grow year by year. It is also commonly referred to as faith tourism, for pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure (fellowship) purposes. There are a number of religious events taking place throughout the world daily. These events tend to highlight the seriousness of people engaging in religious tourism. The peak season for religious tourism in South Africa (SA) is the Easter season. During this season a large number of people come as far as from Southern Africa visiting different regions of SA including the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. For example, Buffalo City in the EC has witnessed a number of visits by prominent people whose aim was to provide spiritual healing, inspiration and revival of the people. The study will hopefully contribute to the body of knowledge of religious tourism and religious events, as it creates greater awareness of religious events and stimulates interest in the public at large in this important market. The article also enhances understanding about religious tourism’s value and what exactly this incorporates.