Dr Razaq Raj

This chapter defines Islamic tourism and presents an overview of the book's chapters.

The purpose of this chapter is to present religious tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and to determine the potential of mosque tourism as a means to contribute towards visitors' cultural experience enrichment. The chapter presents and discusses a classification of Oman's religious sites, including places of worship, tombs or graves of leading religious figures, sites where significant religious personalities lived or died, and sites commemorating specific religious events.

It is estimated that there are approximately 600 million national and international religious and spiritual voyages in the world, of which over half take place in Asia. This book focuses on tourism and sacred sites in Asia.

Mitigating risk at mass gathering events and festivals is an area that still needs further research, but this book brings together current thought and provides a valuable reference for those studying religion, tourism and events, as well as ...

Mitigating risk at mass gathering events and festivals is an area that still needs further research, but this book brings together current thought and provides a valuable reference for those studying religion, tourism and events, as well as ...

Using international case studies to contextualise, <b>Tourism Ethics and Responsible Community Development</b> focusses on the responsible side of ethical tourism looking at effects on the environment, local cultures and social frameworks.

This introductory chapter embarks on a journey to explore the dynamic interplay of globalization and its effects on religious tourism. It endeavours to uncover both the positive and the negative impacts of this intersection. The chapter delves into the profound significance of the quest for identity and transformative experiences, shedding light on how globalization reshapes notions of personal and social identity, as well as the transformative essence of pilgrimage. The chapter covers a critical reassessment of globalization’s influence on religious tourism, spanning shifts in values, the adoption of new rituals and practices among pilgrims, changes in traditions, the embrace of technological innovations, the emergence of innovative business models, and a host of environmental and sociocultural changes. Further, it offers a glimpse into the overarching themes and contemporary case studies covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. It emphasizes the extensive transformation of the pilgrimage experience in response to the novel challenges posed by our globalized world. The aim of the book is to provide valuable insights into the realms of globalization and virtualization, shifts in religiosity, consumerism, cultural assimilation and the evolving global religious landscape.

This chapter evaluates and discusses the concepts and challenges of sustainability that are currently facing humanity and addresses the traditional elements of sustainability within the events and festivals industry. The underlying theme for this chapter is to provide clear encouragement to events and festival organizers to adopt the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all stages of an organized event or festival. The key aim of the chapter is to highlight the steps needed to be taken in reshaping current prac tices and policies that underpin consumption and production at events and festivals.

Abstract

This book brings together a range of case studies in the areas of religion, religious tourism and pilgrimage in Asia. It assesses the increasing linkages and interconnections between religious tourism and secular spaces on a global stage, and explores key learning points from a range of contemporary case studies of religious and pilgrimage activity related to ancient, sacred and emerging tourist destinations, new forms of pilgrimage, faith systems and quasi-religious activities. The development and marketing of religious tourism are also addressed in a few chapters. The book has 17 chapters, a list of discussion questions, and a subject index.

This chapter first discusses the close connection of heritage and religious tourism in the Sultanate of Oman with particular emphasis on historical and religious accounts. It then presents key religious sites, which, if promoted and developed appropriately, could increase the heritage tourism potential of Oman following the main objectives of the Ministry of Tourism's strategy.

This chapter reassesses theories of motivation, both historical and contemporary, related to religious tourism, pilgrimage, festivals and events, recognizing the act of travel as well as the arrival as part of the complex matrix of travel motivators. The chapter introduces discourses on content theory and process theory, highlighting the work of Maslow and Herzberg to underpin the analysis of motivations for religious tourism and pilgrimage

This chapter initially considers the problematic nature of religious and pilgrimage travel as part of the tourism industry, and within an Irish context presents patterns and typologies of pilgrimage, focusing on the pilgrim who travels for religious and spiritual reasons. The chapter cites the work of the ATLAS Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Special Interest Group to support insights into the motivation of religious pilgrims in Ireland. The chapter is underpinned by contrasts in the societal trends of increasing secularization and decreasing domestic religious travel and wider international consumption trends of globalization and internationalization

This introductory chapter initially explores the complex nature of the concepts of religion and tourism and the interaction between the two. It subsequently explores the emerging experience economy, and the implications for how an expanding symbolic economy has the capacity to change the expressions of religious tourism and pilgrimage. The final part highlights the key elements of the various chapters of the book

Now in its Third Edition Events Management offers an introductory overview of the fundamentals in managing events, preparing students for a future career in events management and hospitality. Highlighting both the theoretical and operational aspects of events management, the book is purposefully broad in scope to help prepare students for a future career in events management. Topics covered include all of the managerial components involved in setting up and running an event from event conception through financial and legal considerations, marketing and the importance of media, logistical preparations and considerations such as the environmental and social repercussions of events, fostering reflective thinking. In addition to the updated tables and examples throughout there are now three new chapters: · Crowd Control and Crowd Dynamic · Expos, Conferences and Conventions · Brand Co-creation and Social Media Suitable for Events Management students at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

This chapter discusses ways in which religious tourism can develop community cohesion and drawing on history, discusses whether a cohesive society is possible in conflicting times. Religious tourism plays a major role in engaging with members of different faiths in a way that can foster community cohesion. This concept of community cohesion is embed in the five pillars of Islam namely: Shahadah (declaration of faith); Salah (payers); Zakat (Charity); Roza (fasting) and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca); it is also an inherent part of many other world faiths. Nowadays, barely a day passes without some conflict or other upsetting humans across the globe. Human-made problems such as the most controversial and longest war of our modern time - ‘the war on terror’ - has put people’s safety and security at risk all over the world. This chapter will discuss a mechanism for creating stronger community cohesion through religious and faith organisations. Also, the chapter will, through various examples from religious belief, illustrate how to develop peace and harmony through religious tourism.

The world is close to the bottom of a global recession that is causing widespread business contraction, increases in unemployment, shrinking government revenues and growing management challenges between firms. Nearly all industrialised countries and many emerging and developing nations have announced economic stimuli and/or financial sector rescue packages. This financial crisis which began in industrialised countries quickly spread to emerging-market and developing economies. Investors pulled capital from countries, even those with small levels of perceived risk, and caused values of stocks and domestic currencies to plunge. Also, slumping exports and commodity prices have added to the woes and pushed economies worldwide either into recession or into a period of slower economic growth. Most importantly, with the exception of this financial crisis and recession, businesses are now entering into the toughest five years since the industrial revolution. How will businesses respond to global challenges and conditions of growing international turmoil? The main purpose of this special issue is to focus on the importance of management and management-related topics associated with international business. The issue will provide a greater theoretical, methodological understanding to help face business challenges and responses under the conditions of international turmoil that are happening right now across the world. This issue aims to give a clear general global overview of the global challenges the business industry is facing after the financial crisis.

Introduction Human rights are the basic rights we inherit as humans regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. These rights protect human dignity and are interdependent. However, in this modern, democratic, rights conscious society we often face conflict between these rights. The fundamental nature of rights means that it becomes immensely difficult to have a balance where all rights can be given the protection they deserve. Exploring one focused area of rights, this chapter will discuss the conflict between freedom of religion and freedom of expression. International law instruments are often not clear on the extent of these two rights and how different societies with different groups and values apply them differently. The volume of attention which freedom of expression gets, being a qualified right, means that right to religion often doesn’t get privileged treatment. Perhaps this is due to different religious faiths, standards, views and perspectives. The dilemma that is faced balancing these two equally important fundamental rights would have been easier if there were universal standards in place to draw the boundaries of these rights. The conflict between Freedom of religion and freedom of expression (hereafter ‘the conflict’) can take many forms. This chapter will analyse the apparent conflict between published content that gives offence to religious sentiments, defames a religion and is potentially blasphemous to the religion, it will also consider how this has impact on religious tourists travelling to the UK and other European countries.

In modern society which, by definition is increasingly secular and culturally motivated, the Hajj is considered the culmination of each Muslim's religious duties and aspiration. Muslims travel to the city of Madinah, after performing the Hajj, as part of their religious beliefs and not as some may think, as an escape for leisure and entertainment. The people who go to Madinah feel unanimous in the view that nothing can quite prepare them for the sheer beauty of the experience and the overwhelming feeling of humbleness that affects them during the pilgrim of Madinah. This paper will begin with the Islamic approach to life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and explains the principles on which Islamic values for society are based according to the teachings of Allah (SWT) and the perfect examples of his PBUH. The paper will explore the personal experience of an individual participant visiting the city.

With contributions from international experts, this book provides a broad discussion of cultural tourism as a concept and the way it is implemented in diverse regions around the world.

In today's secular world, the relationship between tourists and their belief plays a major part in influencing individuals visiting religious sites. The visitation patterns of pilgrims depend on the strength of their religious beliefs. In current literature, very limited research is available that explores the understanding and motivation of visitation patterns of religious tourists. In this study, religious tourist's motivations for visiting pilgrimage sites are explored. In particular, this study attempts to discuss, through ethnographic research, how Muslim visitors are attracted to religious sites and what they seek for themselves from such visitations.

This book reviews tourist motivations for making religious or spiritual journeys, and the management aspects related to them. It explores sacred journeys across both traditional religions such as Christianity and Islam, and newer forms of pilgrimage, faith systems and quasi-religious activities such as sport, music and food. Demonstrating to the reader the intrinsic elements and events that play a crucial role within the destination management process, it provides a timely re-assessment of the increasing interconnections between religion and spirituality as a motivation for travel. The book: - Includes applications, models and illustrations of religious tourism and pilgrimage management for converting theory into good practice; - Addresses theories of motivation and why travel to religious destinations has increased; - Explores key learning points from a selection of international case study perspectives. Providing researchers and students of tourism, religious studies, anthropology and related subjects with an important review of the topic, this book aims to bridge the ever-widening gap between specialists within the religious, tourism, management and education sectors.

This book shows how faith and activism can respond to the common challenges of peace making and coexistence both within and among the world's many traditions.

This paper discusses and explores empirical and personal insights into religious tourism and pilgrimage, exploring it from a Muslim pilgrims’ perspective, reflecting on characterisations and motivations and discussing the sacred Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the Holy Mosque (Makkah) to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Travel is important for Muslims. Indeed, it was during the journey of Miraj that Allah ordered Muslims to pray the five daily prayers. The concept of Islam is not merely praising Allah (SWT). Islam also means to serve society according to the directions of Allah (SWT) and the teachings of his final Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). Islam strongly prohibits divisiveness of community or society in terms of sociological groups, racism and sectarianism. Thus, the main purpose of Muslim visitors when visiting pilgrimage sites is holistic, to enhance their knowledge, find pleasure, love and to offer dedication. Muslim visitor’s motivation for pilgrimage to sites such as Al Aqsa Mosque is to offer prayers and visit the holy site. This paper will begin with a brief discussion on the Islamic approach to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and explain the principles on which Islamic values for society are based according to the teachings Allah (SWT) and the perfect examples of his Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The paper will also explore the journey of Miraj and will offer discussion on pilgrimage engagement in religious rituals at the holy city of Jerusalem.

Purpose This study aims to examine managerial behaviour and corporate social responsibilities of private education providers at the primary education level with a view to establishing the fact that it is indeed the obligatory adoption of ethical policies and socially responsible behaviour that accounts for the positive impact some private education operators have made in the educational sector. The study also examines the areas where the private education providers have not been accountable in their business models, decision-making and operations and thus suggests ways that the private education providers can collaborate with other stakeholders to bring about transformation and better educational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The positive image of the corporate, social and environmental performance of any organisation to a very large extent is critical to the success of the organization. To underscore the need for managers to be more responsive to the effect their business policies and operations have on the society, this study examined the managerial behaviour and corporate social responsibility (CSR) of private education providers in Nigeria, especially at the primary level – the foundation of the educational system all over the world. The study adopted a mixed method for data collection, involving a survey and focus group discussion. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used, respectively, to select the final sample size of respondents made up of stakeholders of private schools – parents, teachers, school proprietors and officials of the Ministry of Education. The multiple regression procedure on Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 was used to analyse data from the survey, whereas ethnographic content analysis was used to analyse data from focus group discussion. While it is evident that most parents and guardian in the global community are choosing the private schools over the public schools because of their perceived accountability or social responsibility that ensures academic success, findings from the study of private schools, especially in the developing countries show that some private education providers fall short in responsible managerial behaviour and corporate responsibility. Socially responsible managerial behaviour has been found to be a deliberate choice which business-savvy managers make and use to gain competitive advantage and secure their businesses. Findings Based on the hypothesis testing, the calculated value of the independent variable on the dependent variable is significant because the probability is less than 0.05 (p < 0.05). The variables under consideration – the obligation to deliver quality education (independent variable) correlated significantly with the dependent variable, the establishment of private schools. Thus, the finding shows that the obligation to deliver quality education and services led to the establishment of private schools. Also, results from the focus group discussion show that the motivation for establishing a school for some private school operators is basically borne out of the need to make a positive impact on society by bringing about positive changes in the educational system. Research limitations/implications A major limitation of the study is the dearth of literature in this area of study – corporate social responsibility in private school. There is a dearth of research in this area because of the perception that private schools or educational entrepreneurs are exploitative (Mars and Ginter, 2012; Paul, 2012). Hence, the study adopted an exploratory approach. Practical implications The practical implication of the study borders on the need for private school managers and operators to collaborate with stakeholder groups – parents, teachers, the government and its regulatory body – the Ministry of Education for better educational outcomes. Social implications The social implication of the study is the need for managers and operators of private schools to deliver cost-effective education so that it can be fairly accessible to a higher percentage of the populace of pupils rather than just a privileged few. This will go a long a to reducing the social inequality among pupils, as a greater population of pupils in Nigeria and many other developing countries are in dilapidated public schools where little or no teaching and learning activities take place. Originality/value This study makes an original contribution to the literature on managerial behaviour and CSR as a strategy for making a positive impact on the stakeholders of an organization/institution as the case may be, increasing business performance and having a competitive advantage. Managerial behaviour and CSR in educational institutions, especially private educational institutions is an area that is scarcely studied and thus, there is a dearth of literature in this area (Mars and Ginter, 2012; Paul, 2012). The present study focuses on managerial behaviour of private primary education providers and operators and this because all over the world, the primary education is the basic and the most vulnerable of all the levels in the educational system.

This chapter focuses on the main concepts and models of destination governance. Then, it explores the role of destination governance in the management of religious tourism destinations.

Contemporary workplaces are subject to numerous challenges due to the absolute technological takeover of real-time working platforms. Though significant developments to the modern workforce have changed the face of industry significantly, there is a thirst for workplaces where people may achieve material objectives while attaining spiritual satisfaction through their daily activities both at the office and home.

This discussion paper explores the topic of religious tourism and pilgrimage, examining it from a tourism industry perspective, reflecting on definitions, motivations and scale of the 'product' as reported at a global level. Mindful of the fact that international records of religious tourism are scant to say the least, this is an attempt to bring together definitions, classifications and data which come from a variety of sources. The paper draws together understandings from different religious traditions, presenting data and motivations on a variety of pilgrimage types. As the paper demonstrates, this 'niche' product is indeed enormous, and if industry projections are correct, is set to become an even more important element of international travel and tourism.

Cultural events have become a significant component within the strategies of destination branding of a place. Territories are increasingly using events and cultural festivals to enhance their image and boost tourism development. Many destinations worldwide have built events portfolios as a strategic initiative to attract visitors and to develop their own brand. A destination brand represents a dynamic interaction between the destination’s core assets and the way in which potential visitors perceive them. Thus, the visitor perspective is considered as fundamental in triggering processes of destination branding. This paper investigates how the visitors assess the impact of cultural events and festivals in enhancing the image of a tourist destination. The Stresa Festival (Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy) has been selected as a case study. Stresa Festival is undoubtedly one of the best-known European classical music festivals that every year offers performances by internationally famous artists to its audiences. Structured questionnaires have been used as the methodology to carry out the research. Online questionnaires have been handed out to residents and non-resident visitors to the Stresa Festival to extract the opinions and experience from the public on the image effects of this festival. Findings reveal that there is a positive relationship between this cultural event and the enhancement of the city image and its territory.

This book examines both specific issues and more general problems stemming from the interaction of religion, travel and tourism with hospitality and culture, as well as the implications for site management and interpretation.

Is it possible to identify the positive and negative effects of globalization on religious tourism or to estimate the transformation of the internal and external constructs of pilgrimage by these effects? In order to address these questions, this book highlights the importance of the search for identity and transformative experience during religious tourism. It also looks at how, recently, globalization has played a part in the changes of the concept of personal and social identity and the transformative experience of pilgrimage. The chapters, consisting of carefully selected case studies, analyse possible effects including the adoption of different new rituals, new pilgrims' values, changes of tradition, acceptance of technologic innovations, development of new business models, and other environmental and sociocultural changes. The book provides: •A conceptual framework for understanding the impacts of globalization; •Integrated cross-disciplinary approaches; and •An insight into major religious travel practices in the age of identity challenges and worldwide transformations. It will be suitable for researchers and students of religious tourism, pilgrimage, identity tourism, as well as related subjects such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, theology, history and cultural studies.

An introductory overview of the fundamentals in managing events, preparing students for a future career in events management and hospitality.

Now in its Fourth Edition, this bestselling key text has been fully revised and updated and includes two new chapters on Evaluation and Impact of Events and The Future of the Events Industry.

Purpose - Accounting literature is definite about the content and presentation of traditional financial statements, but the basic information to be provided in the narrative reports of public sector entities remains unsettled. This paper is an empirical investigation of the needs and expectations of stakeholders (primary users and preparers) regarding the content and presentation of narrative reports in the public sector of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The research employed a qualitative approach that draws on stakeholder and contingency theories to collect primary data through in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed by a thematic method using the NVivo 11 Pro software package. Findings - The study reveals that financial statements constitute the statutory financial reports of public sector entities in Nigeria as narrative reporting is undeveloped, both as a concept and in practice. Stakeholders believe that narrative reporting is required to enhance the accountability usefulness of the annual financial reports published by the government and public agencies. Data analysis further reveals that public perception about the management of government financial resources influences the information needs of stakeholders regarding financial reporting. In addition, stakeholders consider the approved budget as the cornerstone of public financial reporting. Accordingly, users and other stakeholders expect public sector narrative reports to provide budget-based performance information that relates the accounting data presented in the financial statements to the key budgetary provisions, in both financial outlays and service delivery achievements. Stakeholders also expect narrative reports to be presented in plain language and provide information about the impact of financial decisions and actions on the basic socioeconomic variables that signpost citizens’ wellbeing, such as education, healthcare, employment, security. Practical implications - The study suggests that the inclusion of narrative information in the statutory financial reports of public entities in Nigeria is imperative and should engage the attention of policymakers and relevant regulatory authorities. In addition, a more elaborate systematic investigation of the information needs of stakeholders in Nigeria should be undertaken by relevant units of government. Originality/value – This is the first documented research on narrative reporting and the information needs of a broad range of stakeholders in the public sector of Nigeria. The paper identifies the approved budget as the focal point of governmental financial reporting, and a clear linkage between budget provisions, accounting results, and service delivery achievements as the basic content of a narrative report in developing countries.

© International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage The two major gatherings of Muslims which take place in Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities of Saudi Arabia, are umrah during Ramadan the 9th month and Hajj Dhul-Hajjah in the 12th month of the Islamic year. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a massive economic and social impact on pilgrimages for Muslims - because these gatherings could lead to widespread exposures and possible spread of COVID-19 to every corner of the world, it forced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to cancel Umrah in March 2020. The pandemic has also prompted the Saudi government to limit Hajj, with some exceptions, to pilgrims already in the country. As Hajj is one of the largest religious gathering in the world, Saudi officials, religious scholars, and scientists must meet the serious challenge to understand the impact of limiting this mass gathering. Over recent decades, the numbers of Hajj pilgrims and visitors has been increasing and existing facilities are struggling to meet their needs. Therefore, while many may see the COVID-19 outbreak during Hajj as a challenge, instead it may provide an opportunity for the Saudi Arabia government and the broader Muslim world to rethink their response to this essential Muslim pilgrimage during the pandemic. This paper will explore the COVID-19 challenges facing the government of Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world over the coming months and analyse economic implications of the outbreak. Therefore, the paper will clarify the serious COVID-19 health risk facing Hajj pilgrims and argues that geopolitics needs to be considered more seriously by organisations and institutions.

COVID-19 is devastating the religious tourism industry in terms of economic, social, food, employment and faith related impacts. Pilgrimages are being stopped, and mass gatherings are halted. We are in middle of a very difficult time for the religious tourism industry and this has become a major concern for governments around the world. The leading nations such as USA, UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, Russia, Germany and China are struggling to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We are facing the biggest test of the tourism industry in over half a century, one which has exceeded the downturn of the 9/11 terrorism attacks. In the last 6-9 months, COVID-19 has had major ramifications for the religious tourism industry and impacted on other related industries like hotels, transport, travel agents and tour organisers, tour guides and all tourism service industries. The calamity of the COVID-19 pandemic is a new biological war that is being experienced by the whole world and the tourism industry is one of the major victim of this pandemic outbreak. Academics, politicians, scientists, theologians, in fact all people are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of life. The pandemic impact is being experienced by all people regardless of state, religion, race, age or status. It is not first time, nor the last time that the world has been struck by a pandemic, but commentators suggest that a new world will emerge from this, and this new reality will offer new opportunities for the provision of experience by the tourism industry. The implication of COVID-19 for pilgrimage to religious sites has been enormous, and has altered the thinking and beliefs of visitors. Due to limitations and controls imposed by governments, new forms to spirituality and worship have been introduced, and these lead to the development of alternative religious thinking. This paper seeks to clarify the impact of COVID-19 on the religious tourism industry and discusses the challenges experienced by travellers to religious destinations.

The supplications of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in the Qur’an have had a significant impact on the flourishing of Islamic Pilgrimage and have also provided spiritual guidance for those who visit these sacred sites. Through his supplications, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) expressed his love for the sacred places associated with the Islamic faith. His prayers for both the visitors and residents of these places, are believed to invoke divine blessings and protection upon them. Prophet Ibrahim’s supplications in the Qur’an also encouraged Muslim pilgrims (often referred to as religious tourists) to visit these holy sites by reminding them of the great rewards awaiting those who fulfill their pilgrimage obligations. This motivation has led to an increased number of people visiting these sites for the purpose of pilgrimage. This study aims to highlight the impact of Prophet Ibrahim’s supplications in the Qur’an on the establishment of Islamic religious tourism, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage journeys. Consequently, the influence of the Hajj pilgrimage on the economy of Saudi Arabia and the countries of pilgrims is significant and multifaceted. The study employs a textual analysis method to examine, investigate, interpret, and explore the meaning of Qur’an chapters, Islamic teachings, themes, and hidden structures within the selected texts. Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) continued his mission of spreading the word of God until he received a revelation. He transcended geographical borders and traditional beliefs related to lineage, introducing a new worldview and mindset that has endured through time. Through the rituals of Hajj, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) imparted the true meaning of the journey, where one returns to the world anew, as if reborn, with the spirit of God within them. He groomed a successor who could carry the burden of caliphate, someone unwavering in their belief in God and capable of connecting with fellow humans.

This chapter critically discusses why sustainability is important for the events industry in the future. In future, the events industry needs to adopt sustainability management steps that consider event impacts, and event organizers will be required to adopt policies that take an analytical approach to sustainability management and climate change. The principal theme for this chapter is to provide strategic guidelines to events industry leaders to reform approaches to waste management, reusing materials used at events, sharing resources, and renewable transportation to reduce carbon emissions. The chapter further highlights the steps that have already been taken and additional policies that move towards imperative sustainability steps to achieve instrumental success for the whole events industry.

Keynote presentation at the Inaugural International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage, Asia Pacific Conference, Hue, Vietnam. January 2023,

Keynote presentation at the ‘Pilgrimage and Flourishing’ Symposium: The multi-layered benefits and challenges of pilgrimage. Ireland, March 2023

Keynote presentation at the International Conference “Changes and Perspectives of Tourism in a Reshaped World” Vilnius, Lithuania, May 2023

Critical race theory (CRT) in today’s multi-cultural society seems somewhat of a difficult concept to appreciate. The notion that racism and inequality exists regardless of any group formation advocating racism in the 21st century illustrates race and inequality play a significant role in western society. Many critical race theorists in the field suggest that racism transcends across white elites and working class white individuals, regardless of any motivations proposed at government policy level and local level to eradicate racism becomes inept and difficult to implement. Studies by critical race theorists such as Saeed (2007) have argued that the fundamental assumptions made about an unjust and unequal society are dominated by White Eurocentric’s. Colour blindness within a multicultural society where Black Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals are targeted for their religious ethical and moral beliefs, with the growing tensions of Islamaphobia. Today the general impression of Islam in the West is one that of a sectarian and fundamentalist religion. A religion which oppresses women, advocates values which are outdated and medieval and supports violence. However, on the contrary, in Islam, there is no concept of ‘Fundamentalism’ BME individuals struggle to be accepted throughout life and are undermined in every aspect of their life. Critical race theorists believe that race should occupy the focal positioning within legal, educational or social policy, Gilborn (2006). This paper will begin with the concept that critical race theorist purport with the view that macro and micro aggressions exist within society are ignored regardless of the macro and micro level policy implementation at government and local level. The paper will explore, the belief that Black Minority Ethnic individuals are discriminated against regardless of a white individuals desire not to be racist unconsciously in essence signifies the understanding that critical race theory constructs are embedded in society and racism is at the heart of western society and culture. Finally, the paper will demonstrate how to build good relationships between people in society in general and develop a better understanding of the Islamic society in the west.

Notting Hill Carnival is a unique event that has been shaped by its historical, political, cultural and community origins. Notting Hill Carnival generates over £93 million in income and supports over 3,000 full time jobs, making a significant contribution to the economy. A strategic review of Notting Hill Carnival was conducted in 2004 and since then there has been very little research into whether the recommendations from the report have helped the continued development of the event. This paper intended to explore whether political changes made by policy makers have helped develop Notting Hill Carnival; into a well organised event which makes a significant contribution to the economy, society and cultural wealth of London. The results concluded that political changes have had very little impact on the development of the event. In particular respondents suggested that many of the issues that exist today are similar to the issues outlined in the strategic review in 2004. The recommendations of this paper suggested that further investigation into the subject area was possible with particular focus on the perceptions of residents in relation to the impacts of the Notting Hill Carnival.

In modern society which, by definition is increasingly secular and culturally motivated, the Hajj is considered the culmination of each Muslim's religious duty and aspiration. It is stated in the Holy Qur'an, that every physically and financially able Muslim should make the Hajj to the Holy City of Makkah once in his or her lifetime. This paper explores what people do during their pilgrimage, providing a brief description of the principle rites and experiences and their meaning to an individual participants travelling from the USA. The paper will draw upon previously published literature as well as an analysis of findings from a quantitative study in which steps within the pilgrimage process were explored. These findings include participants’ descriptions of the significance and value of the experience which individual pilgrims face during travel to the holy city of Makkah. The results from the quantitative study indicated that the main motivations to attend the annual pilgrimage of Hajj were to fulfil religious obligation, spiritual enhancement and to follow teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad

The purpose of this chapter is to explain and discuss the planning of festivals and the range of roles they play in society, and investigate some of the objectives they meet for stakeholders. In addition the chapter will provide an opportunity to consider the benefits of festivals and the process for planning and implementation.

Fasting is a common practice among many religions in the world. In the ancient religions, fasting was observed as common religious practice associated with many religious festivals. Fasting was also observed in the Judaism and Christianity as part of the religious belief. Therefore, Islam has also prescribed fasting for Muslim in the form of a-month long period of obligatory acts of worship. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, during which they observed the fasting among daylight hours. The paper has explored significance of Ramadan and impact it had on Muslim athletes during the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Olympic Games were scheduled during the month of Ramadan and the impact of the Olympic Games on Muslim athletes, visitors, and viewers was described, because main Olympic events were scheduled during the breaking of the fast. This paper presents the findings of the primary research undertaken to assess the views and opinions of both the Islamic religion and other religions, concerning the impact of religious festivals on the Olympic Games. The results concluded that most of the people have no idea that there could be an impact of religious festivals on the Olympic Games.

The purpose of this chapter is to explain and discuss the importance of corporate events within the events industry. Corporate events activities are organised for the benefit of companies who want to entertain clients, prospective clients or employees at the company’s expense. A variety of options for entertaining is available, including evening receptions and dinners with a private view of current exhibitions.

It has been interesting putting together this book entitled Conflicts, Religion and Culture in Tourism, which provides a timely assessment of the increasing linkages and interconnections between religious tourism and secular spaces on a global stage. The book explores key learning points from a range of contemporary case studies dealing with religious and pilgrimage activity, linked to ancient, sacred and emerging tourist destinations and new forms of pilgrimage, faith systems and quasi-religious activities. Religious tourism has increased in the twenty-first century, while at same time, looking at world affairs, it would appear that religion and freedom of expression are frequently in tremendous conflict. Balancing these two rights is particularly crucial for academic scholars and international bodies, particularly since this battle of rights often results in undesirable violence. Religion, belief systems, and faith practices can be contentious issues between host communities and visitors travelling to sacred sites. Personal belief and faith are difficult for individual visitors to compromise, particularly since religion plays such an important part of many individuals' identity. The principle behind this book is to demonstrate to the reader the range of elements that come in to play when one considers themes such as conflict, religion and culture in relation to tourism. The book seeks to illustrate the many efforts being made to sustain networks of religious principles, to promote the enhancement of ties between religious followers and their sacred sites. The development of ties between the faithful and their commanding figures and principles, helps to maintain networks of religious pilgrimage for individuals. While much of this activity develops in safe, secure, uncontested and supportive environments, in many instances activity occurs in liminal, challenged or conflict situations. Thus, while Catholics can travel to visit Knock, Lough Derg or Croagh Patrick (Griffin and Raj, 2015), Muslims can visit Medina and Mecca (Raj and Raja, 2016), Buddhists can visit holy sites in SriLanka (de Silva, 2016) all with impunity, many worshipers cannot access their chosen sites without experiencing conflict, challenges and extreme difficulties. Over the last decade or two, due to the ubiquitous availability of social media and instant news feeds, we have become acutely aware of wars, conflicts and terror attacks, many of which, have caused great damage to the physical environment of holy places. The destruction of religious heritage disrupts the network of religious capital related to places, which thus, impacts on the degree of attachment to a particular religious practice / culture (see Al-Marashi, 2016). Undoubtedly, the religious tourism and pilgrimage industry has suffered over the last 15 years due to the relationship between religion and conflict. Conversely, religiously motivated visitors have played significant roles in addressing many conflicts around the world. In fact, the positive interaction of visitors, goods and information in holy places has helped develop the vitality and vibrancy of religious culture in certain spaces. A particular case in point is Syria, where contemporary conflict has destroyed Shi’ite religious heritage sites as well as other cultural elements in the country. In particular, the deliberate act of sabotage by IS (Islamic State) has made a huge impact on the Shi’ite people and the world as a whole. The destruction of Shi’ite religious heritage disrupts the network of Shi’ite religious capital because it results in a decline of interactions between visitors and such religious places. However, the people of these holy places have facilitated the sustenance of their networks, to enhance their degree of engagement with their faith, without direct interaction in the places which they would normally visit.

In today’s secular world the relationship between tourists and their belief plays a major part in influencing individuals when visiting religious sites. The patterns of visitation within individuals depend on the strength of religious beliefs. In current literature limited research is available that explores the understanding and motivation of visitation patterns of religious tourists. In the Muslim world from Australia to the USA, the mosque in its many forms is the fundamental pilgrimage destination to visit five times a day. The word mosque is a translation of the Arabic word masjid – meaning the Muslim gathering place for prayer. Mosque simply means ‘place of worship’. In reality the five daily prayers set in Islamic practice can take place anywhere, but Muslims are required to gather together at the mosque for the five daily prayers if they are free and able to attend. In the media, the importance of this Muslim concept of mosque visitation for religious worship is being underestimated and undermined. In recent times, Western societies have begun to view Islam as incompatible with, and a security threat to, secular and liberal ways of life. This is mainly because most often sections of the media, polity and conservative writers present a distasteful view of Islam featuring it as a source of social ills and all sorts of troubles in the world. Several notable studies offer convincing analysis that the media has an important role in building misperceptions and misunderstandings of Islam (these include: Said, 1979, 1997; Mitchell and Marriage, 2003; Saeed, 2007; Asmal, 2008; Bowen, 2012; Gomes, 2014; Kolig, 2014). Accordingly, narratives come into view that suggest Islam is an old-fashioned, authoritarian and outdated religion.

The evolution of the internet, as well as the constant evolution of society has lead to conceive new forms of communication, thus, new consumer behaviour. The new consumer is more sophisticated and therefore they need more specialised media where they can take information from. This new type of media is called social media, which in spite of the fact that its nature is in the very essence of the internet communication. User-consumer content (UCC) and social media platforms have supported a real revolution on the internet. Nowadays, users can create content, uploaded it to the internet and share their own experiences, opinions, thoughts and so on. This UCC and social media platforms form a new and more interactive source of information, essential and of highlight importance to the tourism sector. This paper examines the evolution of social media and consumer behaviour changes in the tourism industry to manage destination promotion for the future. Advertising and promotional materials are explored alongside social media to explore the authenticity and types of values being communicated through social media about the tourism destinations for modern travellers.

Religion and spirituality are common motivations for travel, with many major tourist destinations having developed largely as a result of their connections to sacred people, places and events. Describing practical applications, models and case studies, this book provides an insight into the management of religious tourism, covering both ancient sacred sites and emerging destinations. It fully explored the pressures on sacred spaces to become commercialised and festivalised areas, while still maintaining their religious and spiritual integrity. © CAB International 2007. All rights reserved.

Events have the potential to generate a vast amount of tourism when they cater to visitors from other generating zones plus the potential for grants, or sponsorships (Getz, 1997), either by direct or indirect intent. The events in turn are seen as an important tool for attracting visitors and building the image within different communities. This paper reports on research related to festivals’ contribution in the development of cultural tourism. Festivals attract culture tourists to local community events to promote enriching exchanges between tourists and resident. The case studies within this research demonstrate how the Leeds West Indian Carnival and in the last decade has developed to become a centre piece events for the local community each year by attracting local, regional and international visitors.

In today's secular world, the relationship between tourists and their belief plays a major part in infl uencing individuals visiting religious sites. The visitation patterns of pilgrims depend on the strength of their religious beliefs. In current literature, very limited research is available that explores the understanding and motivation of visitation patterns of religious tourists. In this study, religious tourist's motivations for visiting pilgrimage sites are explored. In particular, this study attempts to discuss, through ethnographic research, how Muslim visitors are attracted to religious sites and what they seek for themselves from such visitations. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

The information technology phenomenon has become a feature of most small businesses. Over the last few decades, small businesses have played a major part in UK economy and in local communities. Companies can now reach consumers almost anywhere in the world at a very low cost, while consumers can easily find product and company information. This paper investigates and explores the reasons why Afro-Caribbean and Asian communities in the UK lack skills and knowledge in the use of information technology. It uncovers and explores their business development prospects for the 21st century. The data were collected from a sample of 12 organisations, representing various communities across UK. The results indicate that most small community organisations predict the future with information technology. They feel it necessary to establish continuity, attract a wider audience and bring revenue to their events. With over 10 million home internet users throughout the UK, it is vital to have an effective communication tool with fully trained individuals. Copyright © 2009, Inderscience Publishers.

keynote Presentation

With contributions from international experts, this book provides a broad discussion of cultural tourism as a concept and the way it is implemented in diverse regions around the world.

The purpose of this research paper is to analyse the value-based management commitment of automotive enterprises and to examine the factors that explain the control parameters in automotive industry. There have been a few empirical studies published in the German’s automotive sector but most of the existing studies failed to provide evidence of utilisation of value-based management in the strategic management in the automotive sector. The German automotive industry’s development is closely related to global economic developments. Previous research work has considered control parameters of enterprises but there is little evidence on the factors that explain which control parameters are used in automotive industry. A survey based on annual reports from the year 2008 to 2011 is used. In total, 20 annual reports of automotive companies were analysed. The results show that automotive companies, especially Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and listed suppliers, have committed to value-oriented management and have implemented value-oriented approaches. However, not all of the suppliers are communicating this in their reports. The results also show that Economic Value Added (EVA) is the leading key indicator in the automotive industry.

Sustainable management is an important consideration for businesses and organisations, and the enormous number of tourism events taking place requiring facilities, power, transport, people and much more makes sustainable event planning a considerable priority. By looking at mega events, sports events, conferences and festivals, this book uses best practice case studies to illustrate sustainable management issues and practical considerations that managers need to apply, providing an essential reference for researchers and students in leisure and tourism.

This chapter examines the relationship between economic impacts and potential benefits that events may bring to host communities. In addition, there is an exploration of measures of economic impacts and of ways in which host communities formulate their decisions. Finally, the chapter looks at contextualizing the catalytic effect that ensues when there is an increase in investment due to events taking place. The case study approach is used to support the arguments in the literature.

Today, airports have a rigorous security focus on operational consistency from legislative and policy mandates being a priority rather than allowing airport operators satisfactory autonomy to adapt policy to their requirements (Poole 2009). Poole and Passantino (2003) stated that there is a tendency to try to treat all passengers the same, which can mean resources are not allocated to areas of greater risk. Resources are diverted to better technology and reducing staffing to process large numbers of passengers. Despite technological changes there are concerns security at airports can often focus on ethnic minority passengers

Curiously, while tourism is cited as the world’s largest industry (UNWTO, 2016), it is simultaneously a fragile industry that is highly vulnerable to the impact of the ongoing threat of terrorism. Internationally, terrorism influences the tourist mind-set in a number of ways, in particular it creates fear for travellers and causes economic and social impacts to change the behaviour of people and dissuade them from visiting certain places in the world. Thus, the impact of terrorism has caused tremendous damage to the travel industry. A number of countries which previously depended quite heavily on the tourism industry are suffering in terms of economic development. This paper discusses critical issues related to terrorism, that are faced by travellers to religious and sacred sites. The paper will illustrate the impact of recent terrorism phenomena upon travellers in two ways: first, the potential personal hazards to travellers caused by terrorist incidents; second, the impacts caused by stringent anti-terrorism laws and security measures, to travellers while they are in transit.

As organised events increasingly become part of the way we ‘do life’, this trend can be applied to the operation of religious tourism and pilgrimage, both in terms of their promotion, and the experience itself. The focus of this chapter is a case study on the 3-month release of the Lindisfarne Gospels from the British Library to Durham Cathedral in Summer 2013. The impacts of this visit are compared to those of a similar promotion in 2003, which was triggered by technological developments that enabled the production of facsimile copies of the Lindisfarne Gospels, given to Durham Cathedral and the Holy Island community, with the aim of allowing the public the “same level of access to the Gospels as scholars visiting the British Library’s reading rooms.” (Brown, 2003, p6.) The changing role of the curator (Brown, 2003, p5.) is also examined in the light of the trend towards ‘eventization’, developing a new definition of ‘curation’ that encapsulates events within the process. The research analyses the number and range of event types developed to promote the 2013 Lindisfarne Gospels’ visit to Durham, using online sources, compared to activities ten years earlier, along with interviews with individuals who attended the Exhibition and related events, as well as those unable to attend, to examine their experience, motivations for attending and the impacts of events in promoting this religious tourism activity. In meeting the Exhibition’s objectives, 2013 became a year of celebration, filled with a “rich programme of events” (www.lindisfarnegospels.com/lindisfarne-gospels-long-lasting-legacy) and resulted in the online sale of over 95,000 Exhibition tickets to view the Gospels. Religious heritage sites and associated objects can be promoted more effectively through a process of eventization; however, managers of such facilities require new skills, such as event management.

Culture is an ever-changing reality for the people within each organisation. How, then, does this reality manifest itself in churches? Are some changes so slow, and even perhaps so subtle, that they are hardly noticeable, whilst others might be immediate and ground-breaking? And how does the role of ritual in the events impact such spiritual journeys? A weakness of much of church culture is that it does not easily relate to the outside world, sometimes preferring 17th Century language, practices and rituals that defy understanding by those outside the walls of the church building – and by many within. As the average age of church members rises, the church risks becoming an irrelevant throwback, hidden down a badly-lit cul-de-sac that fails to appear on SatNav. The impact of cultural change – or contextualization – enables the creation of a new “group identity” (Shorter, 1994, p30) visible outside the church, that should be recognised within the church, and responded to by the church. The diversity of life in the UK today surely demands a review of the wisdom of continuing the classical ‘perfection’ of a traditional church that does not recognise the ethnic and sociological plurality that now exists. Durkheim viewed religion as fundamental to the creation of society, and Turner argued that “rituals reveal values at their deepest level” (1969, p6) within group settings. The creation of new ways of being church, new rituals, are just as relevant for the growing millions of Christians in Latin America or Africa, enabling authenticity in each context without losing the centrality of shared faith. And whether events enable churches to provide “just a religious version of the surrounding culture” (Tomlin, 2008, p77), or whether they contribute to the creation of their own counter-culture, such activities draw people together into community, cultivating a shared life together.

This chapter introduces the importance of budgeting within event organizations and it will also provide a general overview of the �?nancial management process. The chapter will outline the most important ele- ments of the budgeting process, particularly the flexible budget and cash budget system for the success of events. It will provide clear-cut account- ing terms for event managers enabling them to become familiar with the �?nancial management process.

Two case studies, V-festival and Carling Festival, will be presented to illustrate and discuss the issues presented in this chapter. Furthermore, the two case studies will attempt to demonstrate how sponsorship can enhance the event pro�?le, increase revenue and brand identity.

This discussion paper explores the topic of religious tourism and pilgrimage, examining it from a tourism industry perspective, reflecting on definitions, motivations and scale of the ‘product’ as reported at a global level. Mindful of the fact that international records of religious tourism are scant to say the least, this is an attempt to bring together definitions, classifications and data which come from a variety of sources. The paper draws together understandings from different religious traditions, presenting data and motivations on a variety of pilgrimage types. As the paper demonstrates, this ‘niche’ product is indeed enormous, and if industry projections are correct, is set to become an even more important element of international travel and tourism.