Motivational Landscape and Evolving Identity of a Route-Based Religious Tourism Space: A Case of Camino de Santiago

Abstract

Religious destinations today are visited by a large number of tourists, whose travel motives may vary from purely religious to purely secular. Diverse motives and on-site experiences are, in turn, causing a shift in the identity perception of these destinations. However, research is still limited regarding the dynamic relationship between travelers’ motivation and the perceived identity of a religious space. Using a theoretical–thematic analysis, this study analyzes the online written accounts of visitors to Camino de Santiago (a route-based pilgrimage site) to understand (i) the motivational and experiential differences among religious versus non-religious travelers, and (ii) the perceived identity of Camino with respect to Smith’s “pilgrimage–tourism continuum”. Despite the increase in secular motives, the majority of travelers showed some form of spiritual connection with Camino. Concurrent with the contemporary shifts in the idea of “religion”, Camino continues to be a religious place driven by inner goals, albeit in a more personal, interpretive, and “spiritual” way.

Filmic Gendered Discourses in Rural Contexts: The Case of the Camino de Santiago (Spain)

“…They will have to create a journalistic piece and approach the famous guru Olmo, who (to solve the couple's crises) proposes they walk Camino. This is an interesting aspect of the plot as it points out the multi-motivational aspect of the Camino and its emergence in new spiritual and therapeutic practices produced and reinforced by its rural landscapes [88]. Far from religious motivation, we witness a dynamic representation of the Camino, which provides spiritual renovation enhanced by the enjoyment of the landscape [23,88].…”

“…This is an interesting aspect of the plot as it points out the multi-motivational aspect of the Camino and its emergence in new spiritual and therapeutic practices produced and reinforced by its rural landscapes [88]. Far from religious motivation, we witness a dynamic representation of the Camino, which provides spiritual renovation enhanced by the enjoyment of the landscape [23,88]. Far from their daily routines and in a completely different environment, the pilgrims challenge themselves.…”

The Influence of Interpretation through Guiding Tour, Quality of Reception and Relics’ Worship on the Satisfaction of Pilgrims Attending the Iasi Feast

“…The pilgrimage, traditionally associated with religious values [11], requires the preexistence of religious motivation [42,43]. The pilgrim's motivation is to participate in a ritual, prayer, or religious event and to achieve the satisfaction provided by the authentic experiences of communion with the other members of the community and of fulfilling the religious task, etc.…”

Differences in attitudes and behaviors of religious tourists: comparative research between Brazil and Portugal

“…The individual motivations for religious tourism vary between secular and spiritual motives, guided by internal, personal, interpretive, and spiritual goals (H. Kim, Yilmaz, & Ahn, 2019). The reasons for tourism, especially religious, are multifaceted, permeated by different objectives and activities.…”