THE IMPACT OF RELIGION ON TOURISM AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     Introduction

This research is on the impact of religion on tourism and the hospitality industry.

Tourism according to MCINTOSH and Gupta (1977) as  any voluntary activity that temporarily takes  person away from his or her usual place of residence in order to satisfy a need either for pleasure, excitement, experience or relaxation. Tourism many be seen to consist senses of encounter in which visitors interact with their hosts.

The history of tourism could be traced back to the days when Jesus Christ was born. The birth of Jesus Christ which inside the three wise men to journey, from the east of Jerusalem to king to visit Jesus Christ with different gifts. Mathew chapter 2 (The holy bible), Tourism is said to be God’s own given gift to man, in the sense that any tourist attraction centre is beautiful, thrilling and a marvellous sight to behold which will leave you thinking of God’s great kindness to man.

Religion according to Socrates (a greek philosopher, 1912) is defined as the practise that depicts the belief of people which are of more importance to their everyday life. It controls the laws, how you think and act, what you believe in, value etc. This have led to a dramatic increase in knowledge about their cultures, norms and also the establishment of economic and social histories of progress.

History has it that the stating point of religion was from the tribal band whose religion is amonistic and involved shamans (a medicine man from a similar region) and totems (an object; species, plant, natural phenomenon symbolising a family). Since the group was tribal, there was no permanent sanctuary for worship with cultic rites centre on identification with wild animals and appeasing spirits of the hunted animals.

Hospitality industry, an aspect of Tourism which cannot be overlooked is defined according to “the prospectors act 1956. section 1 (3) as an establishment held our by the proprietors offering foods and drinks if so required sleeping accommodation without special contract to any traveller presenting himself to be in a fit state of mind to be received and is willing and able to pay for the services rendered to him by the establishment. Its history can be traced to the early civilization of the mind 16th century when the Romans built roads between the main cities and towns of the time along which posting houses known as stabuli were set up to provide holding, food drinks. Thus, Every city/town at this time had ale houses which provides only drink which later advanced to the building of what we now call the hospitality industry (hotel).

Therefore, as stated above, tourism religion and hospitality cannot separated from one another which means that the impacts one has on the other cannot be underemphasized.

1.2     Background of the Study

The background of the study focused on the surrounding the situation i.e. the course of study and how the issues effect the followers of such religion more so, it will focus on the activities at the place of worship, likes for the leaders and some  moral acts that encourage people from religions activities. This study help to unveil the impacts that tourism has on religion and hospitality industry.

1.3     Objective of the Study

The study is aimed at find out how to develop tourism globally and also aimed at looking into the various impacts of religion on tourism and hospitality industry.

It is hoped that through this study, tourists would have better understandings of religion and its impact on tourism and hospitality industry as a whole. It is also hoped that through the findings in this study, people (tourists) would see the relevance of Tourism on Religion.

1.4     Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is based on the fact that if findings of the researcher s are well implemented, it will facilitate and improve the development of Religion towards tourism. It is hoped that this study would answer some questions of what impacts religion have on hospitality and tourism industry. The study will also arouse researchers investigate ways of improving Religion Tourism.

1.5     Statement of Problem

These are the problems encountered during the course of engaging on the religion tourism activities. The major problems include insufficient disposable income to partake and enjoy the various religious activities, transportation problems, accommodation and food and beverages services, and the major things that affects tourist from engaging in the religion tourism.

1.6     Limitation or Scope of the Study

The research work is focused on the religious activities and events that takes place in the “living faith World” (Winners chapel head quarters) located in Idi-iroko, Out, Ogun State Nigeria and will shed more high on those who are religiously inclined and also examine and show the religious practices which have attracted people as part of tourism.

1.7     Definition of Terms

Tourism Religion, Hospitality Industry, Tourist destination, Tourist attractions, Visitor, Tourist.

Tourism: The relationship of phenomenon arising from voluntary travel and stay of an individual away from his/ her usual place of residence to a pre-determined destination in search of pleasure, leisure etc and are not connected with any remunerated activity.

Tourist:- This is an individual that is involved in tourism activities. According to MCINTOSH and Gupta (1999).

Visitor: – Is someone travelling from his place of usual residence to another place, but not primarily for tourism activities but enjoys such activities during his stay. (Unesco definition of tourism 2001).

Tourist Attractions:- These are the physical and natural images or activities that motivates people (tourists) for visit.

Tourist Destinations: – These refer to the places where the tourist attractions are located or sited.

Religion: These are set of rules that are taught which govern one to follow and to worship his/ her creator spiritually.

Hotel (Hospitality Industry): Is an establishment that renders the services of food and drinks, accommodation to people (tourists) who are willing and able to pay for the services rendered to them by the establishment.