Regional economic effects of small and medium-sized places of pilgrimage
Regional economic effects of small and medium-sized places of pilgrimage
Pilgrimage destinations are tourist destinations, as surveys and places of pilgrimage often refer to non-religious visitors. The profane attraction of pilgrimage churches (architecture, painting, etc.) has an influence on the visitor structure: tourists, hikers and worshipers are listeners who are interested in cultural-historical sights, Baroque art or variety. Since such local people and tourists spend more money than pilgrims, you benefit from these supply and accommodation businesses (gastronomy, hotels, retail, etc.) - believers are of interest. Noticeably increase the expenses, if the trip is associated with an overnight stay and if on the spot corresponding consumption offers are available. For the amount of local value added by the visitors of a place of pilgrimage four factors have to be taken into account: the number of visitors, the proportion of profane motivated visitors, the proportion of overnight guests and the consumption offers on site. The long-term study is based on different visitor surveys and small and medium-sized places of pilgrimage. Visits, spending behavior and socioeconomic data of the subjects are recorded. From the extrapolated data the employment effects and the regional economic income effect are calculated.