The symbiotic relationship between spiritual tourism and the retail industry
The surging trend among travellers seeking a transformative experience beyond traditional ritual while going for spiritual tourism is reflecting the positive growth of the retail industry in the said holy cities. There is a clear-cut boom in the local economy through hospitality, shopping, and related services in these country’s sacred towns due to the visit of millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Spiritual Tourism and Retail:
Holy or culturally rich cities not only enjoy deep-rooted spiritual significance but also offer a unique blend of devotion, culture, and tradition, making them prime destinations for those seeking spiritual fulfilment. However, while undertaking the spiritual journey, pilgrims and tourists always have certain requirements that must be catered to in a customized way, aligning with the needs and preferences of spiritual seekers. From purchasing religious items & artefacts and local handicrafts to hospitality services, and modern conveniences including fashion & apparel, food & beverage, homeware & department stores, etc., the demand for products and services generates a lucrative market for a thriving retail industry under the booming urban spiritual tourism trend.
Similarly, holy cities with a well-developed retail and infrastructure ecosystem attract more visitors, both domestic and international, as they enhance the overall experience by providing for the material and spiritual needs of visitors.
This mutually beneficial relationship between spirituality and retail ensures that as a city’s spiritual significance grows, so does the prosperity of its local economy through the creation of jobs and support for local businesses, thus creating a cycle of growth and development for both sectors.
According to a report by a top global leader in commercial real estate services firm, there are around 14 prominent spiritual cities in India that are experiencing this thriving interplay between spiritual tourism and retail-
Amritsar – Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) [Sikhism]
Ajmer – Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti) [Sufi Devotees]
Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Lord Shiva) [Hinduism]
Katra – Vaishno Devi Temple (Mata Vaishno Devi) [Hinduism]
Somnath – Somnath Temple (Lord Shiva) [Hinduism]
Shirdi – Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Sai Baba)
Ayodhya – Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Lord Rama) [Hinduism]
Puri – Jagannath Temple (Lord Jagannath) [Hinduism]
Tirupati – Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Lord Venkateswara) [Hinduism]
Mathura – Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple (Lord Krishna) [Hinduism]
Dwarka – Dwarkadhish Temple (Lord Krishna) [Hinduism]
Bodh Gaya – Mahabodhi Temple (Gautama Buddha) [Buddhism]
Guruvayur – Guruvayur Temple (Lord Krishna) [Hinduism]
Madurai – Meenakshi Amman Temple (Goddess Meenakshi) [Hinduism]
Capitalizing on Urban Spiritual Tourism: The Rise of Retail Chains
In sacred cities, the retail sector has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of the spiritual journey. Retail outlets offer everything from religious stuff to high-end luxury goods, catering to the diverse needs of pilgrims and tourists. The growth of retail chains in these areas is a testament to the increasing commercialization of spiritual tourism, where the traditional and the modern coexist to provide a holistic experience.
The following retail brands are leading the way in catering to the needs of spiritual tourists in multiple sectors:
- Hotels and Real Estate
Luxury hotels- Taj Group, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, ITC, JW, Radisson Hotels
Mid-range accommodations- Sarovar Portico, Lemon Tree Hotels, Ginger Hotels
Budget stays- OYO Rooms - Food and Restaurant Chains
Fast Food Chain- KFC, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, and Cafe Coffee Day
Traditional Cuisine Outlets- Bikanervala, Haldiram’s, Saravana Bhavan, Sagar Ratna, Barbeque Nation - Fashion and Consumer Durables Retail
Fashion Brands- Bata, Biba, Manyavar, FabIndia, Raymonds,
Malls & department stores: Reliance Trends, Decathlon, Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, and Aditya Birla Fashion
Hypermarket & Electronics: – D-Mart, Reliance Fresh, Spencer, Reliance Smart, Croma, Reliance Digital
