PILGRIMAGE TOURISM FOR RURAL COMMUNITY REVITALISATION IN WALES

Authors

  • Jaeyeon Choe Swansea University
  • Kimberley Daviams Swansea University
  • Jessica Schwittay Swansea University

Abstract

We found that local stakeholders believe pilgrimage tourism can contribute to rural economies and cultural/heritage revitalisation including the Welsh language. Some stakeholders emphasised that tourism and hospitality businesses related to pilgrimages can help with regeneration of some of marginalised and rural communities in Wales. Pilgrimage tourism can help revitalise cultural heritage and language; and diversify livelihoods and income sources in rural communities. The main challenges of pilgrimage tourism include the lack of attention and funding, poor infrastructure and a lack of awareness and support from the authorities and local communities. As rural communities in Wales do not have sufficient and diversified income sources, pilgrimage tourism can help revitalise cultural heritage and diversify livelihoods. We suggest that there is a need for collaborative work and partnership among stakeholders and policy makers to optimise the potential benefits of pilgrimage tourism development in rural Wales. The presentation will include comprehensive recommendations focusing on how to engage with communities, to benefit rural/remote communities’ both economically and culturally.

 

References
Shinde, K. A. 2021. Religious theme parks as tourist attraction systems. Tourism Geographies, 16(3), 281-299.
Lin, L., & W. 2022. Exploring how perceived resilience and restoration affected the wellbeing of Matsu pilgrims during COVID-19. Tourism Management, 90, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2021.104473
Pourtaheri, M., Rahmani, K., & Ahmadi, H. 2012. Impacts of Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism in Rural Areas: The Case of Iran, Journal of Geography and Geology, 4(3), 122-129.
Progano, R. N. 2018. Residents’ Perceptions of Socio-Economic Impacts on Pilgrimage Trails: How does the community perceive pilgrimage tourism. Asian Journal of Tourism Research 3(2), 148-178.

 

Downloads

Published

2022-03-25

How to Cite

Jaeyeon Choe, J. C., Daviams, K. ., & Schwittay, J. . (2022). PILGRIMAGE TOURISM FOR RURAL COMMUNITY REVITALISATION IN WALES. International Conference of Business and Social Sciences, 2(1), 793–796. Retrieved from https://ojsicobuss.stiesia.ac.id/index.php/icobuss1st/article/view/241