Pandemic sparks faith tourism pilgrimage as seekers find peace in Thailand’s temples

[snoop1130]

 

Following the pandemic, a rise in faith tourism as a search for peace and tranquillity has been observed. Temples and sacred spots across Thailand have seen an increase in visitors, and the donation boxes are filling rapidly.

 

Future Markets Insight reported that worldwide, faith-based tourism was worth US$13.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$40.9 billion in 2033. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates superstition tourism in the country to be worth 15 billion baht in 2023, a significant increase from 10.8 billion in 2019.

 

In the previous year, TAT initiated a special campaign promoting faith destinations across 12 routes in Thailand, targeting both local and international tourists. The agency plans to continue promoting this segment this year to assist tourism operators in capitalising on the growing demand, said Buranakan Chatupornpaisan, Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) Vice-President.

 

“The global pandemic left many people feeling hopeless about their health and wealth. Some turned to spiritual and religious belief for an anchor.”

 

Buranakan believes that faith tourism components, such as religious attractions or amulets, can be seen as a form of soft power. He further explains that every community or region has its unique stories. For instance, the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is widely worshipped by foreign tourists, and Samut Songkhram is home to the god of wealth, the Thao Wessuwan worship statue.

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: PHOTO: via Loation Times

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates superstition tourism in the country to be worth 15 billion baht in 2023, a significant increase from 10.8 billion in 2019.

Here we go.. I can see another hub of healing centres emerging.

[peter zwart]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The global pandemic left many people feeling hopeless about their health and wealth. Some turned to spiritual and religious belief for an anchor.”

And another disappointment lies ahead. 

[jacko45k]

38 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Here we go.. I can see another hub of healing centres emerging.

Aha, another soft tourism market to be exploited....... 

[nausea]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Some turned to spiritual and religious belief for an anchor.”

That's my SO. Me, I'm into alcohol à la Bukowski, but I seem to have swallowed a Hellgramite worm.

[brianthainess]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Temples and sacred spots across Thailand have seen an increase in visitors, and the donation boxes are filling rapidly.

Bet they get emptied rapidly into someone's bank account too.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates superstition tourism in the country to be worth 15 billion baht in 2023, a significant increase from 10.8 billion in 2019.

And just who gets all that money?

[fondue zoo]

 

Is that guy who blesses and heals you with a kiss to the privates part of the program?

 

[herfiehandbag]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

For instance, the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is widely worshipped by foreign tourists, 

Visited yes, does not imply worship.