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Does religion/religious countries restrict where tourists holiday?

Does religion/religious countries restrict where tourists holiday?
Author: Robyn Dack
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Religion and tourism are connected in positive and negative ways. The question in which is discussed, is weather or not religion has an impact on where tourists travel to. Beliefs and cultures of different religions can create images and perceptions for non religious tourists and evidentially builds up ideas of how these people behave and their different ways of how human beings should act.

Certain factors can contribute into the perception of these many different religions. The Typical holiday maker enjoys drinking alcohol, wearing little clothing to sunbathe and many women like to be seen as equal to men weather on holiday or not. Within the conference it will be clear to see the different beliefs in different religions towards these types of behaviours. Many religions frown upon this type of behaviour and their seems to be a difference from country to country in the strictness of their rules. As a result if non religious tourist do not like the fact that they cannot drink, show affection in public, women cant drive whilst on holiday then this vacation plans will be planned for another country that will allow them to do all these.

Some of the major countries with strong religious views include Dubai, Saudi Arabia and India. Therefore its interesting to find out weather tourists are put of by travelling to these countries. An example of the brutal punishments that are instrumented if disrespectfulness is imposed on certain religions includes "holidaying in Muslim countries to avoid extramarital sex or public kisses, weeks after two Britons were handed out deportation orders by the UAE authorities" (Indian Express 2008). This was taken place in Dubai however other countries such as India definitely frowns upon tourists disrespecting their religion and what they believe in.

However, rather than looking at religion in a negative light it has recently arisen that more people are becoming more culturally aware and are wanting to explore more into different cultures and beliefs which then persuades the tourists to go to these extreme religious countries. There is definitely a split and Mesic suggests that "such mutual acceptance should integrate both sides' values into a culturally richer community. Where there is respect, there will be willingness and even readiness to integrate some of those values to enrich one's own cultural and religious values" (Mesic, M 2008 p3). This is explaining that tourists should integrate between religions and find out more about them rather than avoiding countries that have a high level of religion that people don't really understand. "such respect for others requires certain knowledge of the others' history and culture, ways of life, and other factors" (Mesic, M 2008 p3). Therefore to show respect to other countries and cultures, do not shy away from travelling to the destinations, go and explore their beliefs and religion and show a general interest. It important nowadays to try new things and treat holidays as an experience that is new and different rather than familiarity. As a result religion can influence the destinations people travel to due to non religious people not agreeing with certain cultures, however on the other hand it may influence more people to go to religious countries as they are new places to explore.

Another factor to consider is the religious tourists and weather they prefer to holiday in religious countries as it makes them feel more comfortable for example Muslims from England travelling to northern Africa. However recent studies have shown the travelling and holidays "has been viewed by some Muslims as a means of leisure and entertainment that does not have any lasting value. The view is held despite the benefits of tourism to the national economy as well as the propagation of cultural values and opportunities to build good relationships between people and nations of different cultures (Sanad 2008 cited in Scott, N 2010 p20). This therefore creates the argument that different religions, especially Islam do not participate in much travelling or holidaying and as a result will not impact on where they travel to.


References

Agencies. (2008). Avoid public sex in Muslim countries: UK tells citizens. Available: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/avoid-public-sex-in-muslim-countries-uk-tells-citizens/403627/2. Last accessed 1/5/2012.

Mesic, M. (2008). The Perception of Islam and Muslims in the Media and the Responsibility of European Muslims Towards the Media. Islamic history. p3.

Scott, N and Jafari, J (2010). Tourism in the Muslim world. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. p20.