The Economic Impact of Spiritual Tourism – Insights from Industry Experts

Ranjit Phillipose

Sr Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa

Spiritual tourism has the power to redefine Goa’s travel narrative, elevating it beyond its beaches into a realm of soulful discovery. It is not merely about attracting seekers of inner peace, it is about weaving journeys that honour tradition while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Unlike fleeting holidays, spiritual tourism invites discerning travellers to linger longer, to immerse themselves in experiences that nourish both spirit and society.

Each retreat, whether a sunrise yoga session, a guided temple visit, or a heritage walk through quiet village lanes, becomes an act of preservation. Visitors support local artisans, storytellers, wellness practitioners, and guides, ensuring that the living fabric of Goa’s culture continues to thrive. This exchange is deeply symbiotic - travellers find renewal, while communities find pride and purpose in seeing their heritage cherished.

At its essence, spiritual tourism is more than an economic catalyst, it is a cultural bridge. It draws the world closer to Goa’s sacred soul, celebrating its layered history, rituals, and rhythms of life. By empowering those who safeguard these legacies, it ensures that every journey becomes transformative, for both the guest and the guardian.

Sandeep Singh

Founder Of Rubystone Hospitality

Spiritual tourism is now increasingly significant as a local economy income generator. Each of our visitors spends money, whether they are at temples, monasteries, or pilgrimage routes; they pay for accommodation, food, transport, guides, and local crafts. Expenditure creates direct income, which provides opportunities to local businesses, shop owners, service providers, and beyond. If artisans making traditional handicrafts and trinkets for tourists, hotels, and guesthouses will fill. The presence of festivals and gatherings for spiritual purposes often facilitates the local economy in motion, and with respect to levels of work. It supports local businesses but also local workers, including drivers, cooks, or artisans (ephemeral). Spiritual tourism provides two-way economic benefit, contributing alongside both domestic and international tourists, by circulating funds in the local economy, supporting business and helping develop entrepreneurial spirit, and supporting public goods like roads and facilities that benefit all community members - even those who don't want to enter tourist hotspots.

Spiritual tourism is frequently a preserving force for cultural heritage. Income from increased visitation allows for the protection of temples, shrines, and important sites or buildings. Governments, trusts, and local authorities understand the revenue generated through tourism and usually have a vested interest in conserving, rehabilitating, and maintaining historic places for visitors to consume these cultural experiences sustainably for future generations. The educational potential for visitors in relation to local practices, rituals, and architecture is an opportunity for local communities to conserve and protect their cultural heritage. Moreover, if a heritage site becomes an international tourist icon, some may be invited to partner or be funded for conservation efforts. More importantly, spiritual tourism creates demand, encouraging communities to ensure that they conserve the traditions that include cultural elements such as music, dance, and craft rather than letting them decay. In this light, spiritual tourism functions as an economic catalyst and a cultural conservator.

Alok K Singh

Co-founder and CEO, Travomint

Spiritual Tourism has turned out to be an important factor in enhancing economic growth, specifically in religious and cultural regions. Apart from the spiritual value, it also helps locals to earn a good amount creating a ripple effect impacting multiple sectors.

One of the visible contributions of spiritual tourism to economic growth is the Employment Generation. Spiritual destinations cater to millions of international as well as domestic travelers, resulting in the demand for hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and food services, directly benefitting the locals and enabling them to earn livelihood other than seasonal income. Additionally with the investment in infrastructure such as roads, airports, and accommodation it also helps in enhancing the quality of living.

Spiritual Tourism is a key player in the preservation of cultural heritage sites. The revenue generated via entry fees, donations, and government or private investment is reinvested into the restoration and maintenance of those sites. This increases the age and protects the intangible traditions like music, crafts, and festivals which are deeply rooted to the local culture.

Moreover, spiritual tourism nurtures inclusive growth by encouraging rural participation. The pilgrimage circuits and spiritual retreats often go to small towns and villages, sharing economic opportunities beyond urban centers.

At last, spiritual tourism is more than just personal enlightenment, it is also a driving force of economic development. By aligning commerce with culture, it increases livelihood alongside preservation of heritage making journeys more meaningful.

Manish Kumar

Vice President - Operations, Araiya Hotels

Spiritual tourism can provide vital economic activity for the local community. Pilgrims and tourists bring substantial income through donations and offerings as well as the purchase of local products and services. The result is jobs created in industries such are tourism and hospitality, local transport, and artisan handicrafts.
The development of spiritual tourism can also see the development of infrastructure including roads, accommodation, and tourist amenities that can serve the whole community. In addition to economic opportunities, spiritual tourism can help preserve local cultural practices and traditions, and provide a sense of pride and identity and belonging to community members. As a result local communities can develop, local businesses can prosper, and the overall economic status of the community can be elevated.
Through effective management of spiritual tourism the style of development can equitable and assist to sustainably grow the community, as well as reduce poverty while developing opportunities.

We have arranged for special Darshans at Somnath Temple near Araiya Gir and Ganga Aartis from Kinwani House, which has not only enhanced the spiritual experience for our guests but also contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
Our goal is to ensure that tourism exists within the realm of preserving cultural heritage, and we strive to achieve this through effective management and responsible tourism practices. By doing so, we contribute to the long-term conservation of cultural heritage sites and promote local culture.
Additionally, there is less of a risk of threatening cultural heritage when perceptions about sustainable tourism emerge from spiritual tourism. Spiritual tourism is generally seen as positively branding a destination, in the name of social and environmental responsibility, and sustainability. While spiritual tourism is generally considered positive by brand development, conservation and preservation practice continues to rely heavily on social management; it is often difficult to manage tourism, social practices, conservation and preservation altogether. The primary management function is to make sure tourism exists within the realm of preserving cultural heritage.

Narayan Tharoor

Multi property General Manager – Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Kerala is renowned for its rich spiritual heritage, attracting devotees year-round. At Courtyard by Marriott, we provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming stay, especially for women travelers. Our hotel offers spotless rooms, authentic local cuisine, and attentive service, ensuring every guest feels valued.

By hosting spiritual tourists, we support the local economy as guests explore nearby temples, markets, and shops. To enhance convenience, we offer complimentary airport pickup and drop-off. Our location grants easy access to sacred sites like Avanamcode Saraswathy Temple, Eravikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, and serene retreats such as Malayattoor Hill.

Spiritual tourism is vital in preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage by raising awareness and providing financial support. Guests contribute through donations, entrance fees, and local purchases, helping maintain and restore these sacred sites.

Spiritual tourism also fosters respect and responsibility, encouraging cleanliness and care of sacred places. Visitors often explore nearby temples, churches & mosques helping maintain their serenity. Together, visitors and locals ensure Kerala’s rich heritage remains vibrant and respected for future generations.

Ritesh Sharma

General Manager Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

From my perspective, spiritual tourism is a powerful economic driver that directly uplifts local communities. Pilgrimage and spiritual travelers generate consistent demand for accommodation, transportation, food, and local handicrafts, creating livelihood opportunities for small businesses and artisans. This influx of visitors fosters job creation not only in hospitality but also in allied sectors such as retail, transport, and cultural services. In many ways, spiritual tourism ensures year-round economic activity, unlike seasonal tourism patterns, thereby providing stability to local economies. Live example was Mahakumbh, many cities are directly dependent on the local pilgrimage like Ujjain, Ajmer, Amritsar, Katra, Shirdi, and many more. India is a country of pilgrimage ..

Spiritual tourism also plays a vital role in preserving our cultural and heritage assets. Increased visitation to temples, shrines, and historic spiritual centers generates revenue streams that are often reinvested into their upkeep and conservation. Moreover, the attention drawn by spiritual travelers raises awareness about cultural preservation, encouraging both government and private stakeholders to invest in restoration and maintenance. Example is developments at Vaishno Devi track & Ujjain Corridoor etc..

Manoj Singh Bisht

Rooms Division Manager, Grand Mercure Mysore, 

In Mysore, spiritual tourism brings real economic value to the community. With places like Chamundeshwari Temple and the city’s many cultural landmarks nearby, Grand Mercure Mysore naturally attracts travellers who come in search of heritage and spirituality. Their visits create jobs for locals in hospitality, guiding, and transport. They also help small shops, artisans, and markets thrive. Over time, this flow of visitors supports better infrastructure, generates tax revenue, and strengthens the city’s cultural and social fabric.

Spiritual travellers play an important role in keeping Mysore’s heritage alive. The entry fees, donations, and offerings they make at temples and shrines are often reinvested in restoration and upkeep. Being located on the historic Dasara procession pathway, Grand Mercure Mysore welcomes many such visitors, making the hotel a natural part of this cultural journey. Their presence not only fuels investment in heritage sites but also encourages authorities to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure, ensuring Mysore’s treasures are preserved for future generations.

Jitender Singh

AGM – Airlines Contracting & Supply Management, HappyEasyGo

With India still enthralling tourists from across the globe, spirituality travel has become a dominant economic growth and cultural heritage driver. Commenting on the trend, Jitender Singh, AGM – Airlines Contracting & Supply Management, HappyEasyGo, shed light on its widespread reach.

Spiritual tourism creates substantial economic dividends for local populations," observed Mr. Singh. "Pilgrims and pilgrims sustain the economy by way of lodging, travel, eating, and shopping, and also provide employment for guides, craftspeople, transportation providers, and small and medium enterprises. This movement of travelers also catalyzes infrastructure development in smaller towns and rural areas, closing economic gaps between urban and outlying areas.

Aside from economic development, spiritual tourism is also an important contributor to the conservation of India's cultural heritage. "Each pilgrimage to temples, monasteries, ghats, or holy towns reinforces their cultural and historical significance. The generated revenues usually go towards conservation efforts so that centuries-old traditions and architectural wonders will be preserved for future generations," Mr. Singh included.

"HappyEasyGo is of the opinion that spiritual tourism is not merely travel, but a life-changing odyssey that continues to preserve culture, enhance communities, and promote inclusive economic growth throughout India,"

Seema Taj

Director of Sales and Marketing, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore.

At Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, we see spiritual tourism as a strong driver of local economic growth. Pilgrimage travel brings consistent demand, which benefits not only hotels but also transport providers, local businesses, artisans, and service communities around the sacred destinations. By offering curated experiences like our Jyotirlinga Darshan package, we ensure that guests enjoy comfort and convenience while the wider community benefits from increased opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

Spiritual tourism plays a vital role in keeping cultural heritage alive. Every visit to revered temples and sacred sites brings renewed attention, resources, and respect for their preservation. Through our offerings, we aim to provide guests with meaningful journeys while contributing to the continued upkeep of these heritage landmarks and the traditions surrounding them. In doing so, we help ensure that these treasures remain vibrant for generations to come.

Sumender Kumar

(Rooms Division Manager) Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore

Spiritual tourism—travel motivated by religious observance, personal growth, or the exploration of sacred sites—has become a powerful economic driver for local communities. Beyond its cultural and emotional significance, it generates employment, supports small businesses, and stimulates investment in infrastructure and hospitality services.

Crucially, spiritual tourism also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage. By attracting visitors to religious and sacred landmarks, it provides both financial resources and social incentives to maintain and protect these sites. This dual impact ensures that cultural legacies are not only honored but sustained for future generations.

Pranav Dangi

CEO & Founder of Hosteller

Spiritual tourism fuels local economies by generating income for homestays, guides, transport, and artisans, creating sustainable livelihoods. It also channels revenue into the upkeep of temples and heritage landmarks, ensuring their preservation. This dual impact strengthens cultural continuity while uplifting communities with steady tourism-driven economic growth.

Sudhir Jena

Corporate Vice President, Lords Hotels & Resorts

Spiritual tourism plays a significant role in generating economic benefits for local communities and the preservation of cultural heritage.

1. Economic Benefits for Local Communities:

Increased tourist footfall boosts local businesses such as handicrafts, local eateries, transport services, and guides, creates employment opportunities.

Pilgrims visiting these destinations contribute to the growth of ancillary services, such as souvenir shops, local transport providers, and small-scale vendors.

2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Spiritual tourism also encourages the conservation and upkeep of temples, shrines, and historic sites, as tourists are drawn to well-maintained and authentic cultural experiences.

Our group supports cultural preservation through responsible tourism initiatives, partnerships with local authorities, and by promoting awareness among visitors.

Through our wide presence at key pilgrimage destinations, including Basar, Dwarka, Kankidham, Somnath, Ambaji, Jammu, Guwahati, Nepal, and Nathdwara, to mention a few, we contribute not only to local economic development but also to the protection and celebration of our rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Akash Kalia

General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

Spiritual tourism plays a vital role in driving economic growth by generating employment across hospitality, transport, food, and handicrafts while safeguarding cultural heritage. At DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru ORR, we often host guests visiting nearby spiritual hubs such as ISKCON Temple and shrines nearby to Nandi Hills. By curating stay-and-travel packages, offering authentic local cuisine, and connecting guests with trusted providers, we create meaningful experiences while supporting community livelihoods. Additionally, our collaborations with artisans and cultural performers bring local traditions into the hotel, offering guests a deeper sense of place while supporting community livelihoods. By blending comfort with culture, we ensure that every stay is meaningful and immersive. Spiritual tourism not only strengthens regional economies but also sustains heritage, with hotels like ours serving as key facilitators of responsible and sustainable growth.

Chef Durgesh Tyagi

Corporate Chef, Massive Restaurants Private Limited.

Spiritual tourism fuels local economies by creating jobs for guides, hotels, artisans, and vendors. Cities like Varanasi and Tirupati thrive on pilgrim traffic, which also drives infrastructure development. Revenue from tourism often funds temple upkeep and cultural preservation, ensuring that heritage survives while communities prosper. Quote: “Spiritual tourism is not just a journey of faith, it’s an economic lifeline that sustains communities and safeguards heritage.” 

Gautam Chhabra

Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott, Jaipur Tonk Road

Spiritual tourism is emerging as a powerful driver of local economies, especially in destinations rooted in cultural and religious heritage. Pilgrimage hubs and wellness retreats often generate significant revenue for nearby communities through accommodation, dining, local transport, and artisanal goods & souvenirs. Small businesses - ranging from guesthouses to handicraft sellers - benefit directly from the steady flow of visitors seeking spiritual experiences.

Beyond commerce, spiritual tourism also plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. Revenue generated from tourism often supports the maintenance and restoration of temples, monasteries, and heritage trails. Communities are encouraged to safeguard age-old traditions - festivals, rituals, and craft practices - since they form an integral part of the visitor experience. In essence, spiritual tourism not only boosts income but also strengthens cultural identity, creating a cycle where heritage preservation attracts visitors, and visitors sustain the heritage.

Purushottam Pandey

Rooms Division Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark.

The Economic Impact of Spiritual Tourism Spiritual tourism plays a vital role in strengthening local economies. It creates employment opportunities for residents, especially in areas such as handicrafts, traditional goods, and regional cuisine. Increased visitor inflow also drives demand for more hotels and restaurants, creating a multiplier effect for the community. Beyond financial growth, spiritual tourism helps in preserving and celebrating cultural identity. When travelers engage with local traditions and heritage sites, it nurtures pride within the community and provides incentive to safeguard cultural assets for future generations.