The Contribution Of Religious Tourism To The Economy And Spiritual Development Of Nigeria

Religious tourism, otherwise called “Faith Tourism”, is a form of tourism, whereby people of faith travel individually or in groups for reasons related to religious or spirituality in their quest for meaning. It could be under pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure purposes. Many of today’s most popular tourist destinations are related to ancient places of worship or to the site of apparent miracles. In addition, pilgrim, as part of religious tourism, is the act of moving from one place to another, often traveling through foreign lands; an ordered march of a group of people, usually with religious connotation. Religion, as a tourist, experience, becomes part of the symbolic economy. 
This paper adopts sociological approach in tackling this work. It also seeks to know how religious tourism has contributed towards the economic development an individual’s spiritual growth, communal bonding, and a sense of identity among the diverse religious communities in the country. This article also found valid connections between sacred people, places, and events. This work recommends that Christian and other adherent of other religions should embark on religious tourism to help them fulfill their purposes by praying for salvation of their souls.