Tourism, Pilgrimage and Intercultural Dialogue: Interpreting Sacred Stories

Religious heritage and sacred sites offer an opportunity to visitors to explore the knowledge of the community visited, however the importance of interpretation, meaning, experience, and narrative need to be considered.

This book is a timely re-assessment of the increasing linkages and interconnections between management of diversity and religious tourism and secular spaces on a global stage. It explores key learning points from a range of contemporary case studies of religious and pilgrimage activity, related both to ancient, sacred and emerging tourist destinations and to new forms of pilgrimage, faith systems and quasi-religious activities.

By providing a conceptual framework the book demonstrates the symbolism of sacred spaces within religious traditions and the relations developed among them. It offers explanations on how to manage and how to communicate the religious diversity and provides a solid overview of:

• Religious tourism as a tool for intercultural dialogue
• Interpretation of religious heritage for tourism
• Cross-cultural contacts

The book will provide a valuable resource for those researching and practicing in tourism management, pilgrimage and religious tourism.