Identifying the Influential Factors Enriching the Experiences of Visitors of Touristic Religious Sites: The Case Study of Al-Khandaq Battle Site

Abstract

Enriching visitors' experiences at religious, historical sites (RHS) is getting more attention than before. This research aims to identify and investigate the influential factors enriching the visitors' experience at such a site, using Al-Khandaq battle site as the case study. Forty-two respondents were interviewed at the site and NVivo 12 pro software was used to code and analyze the responses. The study explored tourist motivations, expectations, and perceptions as the guiding constructs in detailed qualitative analysis. Foremost, learning, reliving the experience of the events of the battle, and Islamic values were the primary motivation to the historic site visitation. Next, findings reveal the extent to which tourists' expectations can be met through the availability of an open museum, accessibility, and the spatial and experiential simulation of the ancient Al-Khandaq path. Lastly, the need to reconstruct the historical site in spatial planning and experiential dimensions formed the main thrust of the element of visitors' perception. Based on the foregoing, the study recommends that Al-Khandaq site should be developed traditionally as an open museum, displaying both religious and historical elements of the battle with emphasis on the visual connection to the Prophet's mosque

The personas and motivation of religious tourists and their impact on intentions to visit religious sites in Saudi Arabia

“…Prior to the pandemic, the practices of Hajj and Umrah were generating a significant income to the country as millions of Muslims performed those practices annually. Visitors were also interested in visiting the holy city of Medina as it contains the holy mosque and other significant sites (Rinschede, 1992; Amer et al, 2021). However, the extant literature is extremely limited with respect to other religious sites in KSA (Akbulut & Ekin, 2018; Amer et al, 2021), and the official reports are only limited to Hajj and Umrah.…”

“…In addition to the holy city of Mecca, Muslim visitors travel to the holy city of Medina. The city is significant as it contains the holy mosque, burial sites, battle sites and other important locations (Rinschede, 1992; Amer, Karban, Majid, Majrashi, & Saleh, 2021). When examining official reports issued by the Saudi Government, the government mainly focuses on statistics related to Hajj and Umrah.…”

“…Nevertheless, extant research does not reflect the prospective demand of these sites nor their importance to religious tourism in KSA. Limited research has discussed some of these sites, specifically battle sites, emphasising their importance in attracting tourists despite the controversial association with dark tourism) Akbulut & Ekin, 2018; Amer et al, 2021).…”