Factors that motivate faith-based travels: a case study of Namugongo Shrine and Bahai Temple

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the factors that motivate faith based travels. The objectives of the study were, to establish the factors that influence tourist’s choice of travel to religious sites, to determine the challenges limiting tourists from participating in faith based travels and to examine the benefits derived from tourist’s participation in faith based travels. To achieve these objectives, primary data was collected and secondary data was used. Sixty respondents were interviewed using questionnaires which were given to tourists at Bahai temple and Namugongo. From the study, factors which motivate tourist’s choice of travel to religious sites included past experience, degree of religious belief, religious events, and history of the sites, physical attractions and seeking help from God. This study also revealed that language barrier, insecurity, inadequate accommodation, in accessibility and lack of awareness limits tourist’s participation in faith based travels. However, besides the limitations, tourists who participated in the travels strengthened their faith, got miracles, blessings and also the management benefited by creating friends, market and promoting the sites. It is recommended in this study that management should acquire better marketing techniques, build accommodation facilities and improve security for better services.