The Middle East as a Center of Sacred Tourism: Economic and Cultural Perspectives

Abstract

This master’s thesis examines sacred tourism in the Middle East as an important phenomenon of international tourism. The study analyzes the theoretical foundations and historical development of sacred tourism, as well as the religious heritage and key pilgrimage destinations of the region. Particular attention is paid to demand dynamics for sacred tourism over the last two decades and to the functioning of tourism enterprises operating in the religious tourism sector. The research findings confirm that sacred tourism in the Middle East is a resilient and strategically significant segment of the global tourism market, combining religious, cultural, and economic dimensions and requiring balanced and sustainable management.