Guidelines for Managing Buddhist Tourism

Abstract

Buddhist tourism is a form of travel that emphasizes learning and practicing Buddhist teachings, contributing significantly to the spiritual and moral enrichment of visitors while fostering deeper faith and understanding of the religion. This study aims to explore effective and sustainable management practices for Buddhist tourism through qualitative data analysis from interviews with key stakeholders, including monks, religious scholars, government agencies, and tourism operators.The findings indicate that successful management of Buddhist tourism requires consideration of several key factors: 1) Preservation and restoration of significant Buddhist sites to maintain their historical and religious value. 2) Development of infrastructure and facilities, such as travel routes, signage, and accommodations, to enhance visitor convenience. 3) Establishment of collaborative networks between various entities at both local and national levels to promote integrated management efforts. 4) Alignment of tourism activities with Buddhist principles and lifestyles, including meditation retreats, Dharma talks, and participation in religious ceremonies.Furthermore, the study highlights challenges in managing Buddhist tourism, such as controlling excessive tourist numbers, which may impact the sanctity of sacred sites, and addressing misunderstandings of Buddhist teachings among some visitors. Additionally, the lack of consistent government support poses a significant obstacle. Therefore, developing comprehensive and appropriate management strategies is essential to ensure the sustainability of Buddhist tourism while preserving its religious and cultural values in the long term.