Use of Social Media by Tourists at Religious Tourism Destinations in India
The chapter assesses the social media usage by tourists during their visit to religious tourism destinations and evaluates rationale and challenges faced by religious tourism establishments and other stakeholders in using social media as tools for marketing of religious tourism. The study used secondary data sources for getting a theoretical understanding of social media and religious tourism. Primary data conveniently collected through field survey from tourists and tourism establishment at religious tourism destination to know the extent of social media usage. The chapter indicating increased use of social media by tourists in searching, planning, booking, and sharing experiences about different products and services. The study identifies a crucial role of social media in the marketing and development of religious tourism along with certain challenges related to using as a mechanism to promote destination. Finally, implication and recommendations for different stakeholders were given to ensure adequate presence on social in more effective manner.