CHRISTIAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: HISTORY, TRENDS, AND BEST PRACTICES

About Course

This course analyses the intersection of Christian faith and tourism development, exploring the biblical basis for pilgrimage and travel, the history of Christian pilgrimage, and current trends in Christian tourism. Students will examine the environmental, cultural, and social impacts of Christian tourism and develop skills in sustainable tourism management, crisis management, and community-based tourism development. Through a combination of biblical teachings, case studies, and real-world examples, students will grasp a deeper knowledge of the role of faith in tourism development and management. As a result, they will be able to design community-based tourism initiatives that promote local economic development and social justice. Ultimately, this course will empower students to make informed, principled decisions that drive organizational excellence and contribute to the betterment of local communities around the world.

Course Objectives:

Understand the historical and cultural contexts of Christian tourism
Analyze the biblical basis for pilgrimage and travel
Evaluate current trends and best practices in Christian tourism
Develop skills in sustainable tourism management and crisis management

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christian Tourism

Topic: Overview of Christian tourism
Objective: To understand the significance of Christian tourism in modern times.
Learning Outcomes: Understand the definition and scope of Christian tourism, analyze the importance of Christian tourism in modern times.
Biblical Text: Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi’s journey to Bethlehem.
Book Reading: Olsen, D. H. (2019). Religious tourism and pilgrimage. Routledge. (Chapters 1-2)
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the significance of Christian tourism in modern times. Research and discuss the growth of Christian tourism globally.

Module 2: History of Christian Pilgrimage

Topic: Early Christian pilgrimage
Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian pilgrimage.
Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian pilgrimage.
Learning Outcomes: Analyze the early Christian pilgrimage, evaluate the impact of pilgrimage on Christian spirituality.
Biblical Text: Acts 2:1-47. The early Christian church and pilgrimage.
Biblical Text: Acts 2:1-47. The early Christian church and pilgrimage.
Book Reading: Coleman, S., & Elsner, J. (1995). Pilgrimage: Past and present in the world religions. Harvard University Press. (Chapters 1-2)
Assignment: Create a timeline of major events in Christian pilgrimage history. Discuss the significance of pilgrimage in Christian tradition.

Module 3: Christian Tourism Trends

Module 4: Biblical Foundations of Christian Tourism

Module 5: Christian Heritage Tourism

Module 6: Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism

Module 7: Christian Tour Operations and Management

Module 8: Christian Hospitality and Service

Module 9: Sustainable Christian Tourism

Module 10: Christian Tourism and Community Development

Module 11: Christian Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Module 12: Christian Tourism and Mission

Module 13: Christian Tourism and Ethics

Module 14: Christian Tourism and Technology

Module 15: Christian Tourism and Crisis Management

Module 16: Conclusion and Final Project Presentations

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About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christian Tourism

Topic: Overview of Christian tourism

Objective: To understand the significance of Christian tourism in modern times.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the definition and scope of Christian tourism, analyze the importance of Christian tourism in modern times.

Biblical Text: Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi’s journey to Bethlehem.

Book Reading: Olsen, D. H. (2019). Religious tourism and pilgrimage. Routledge. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the significance of Christian tourism in modern times. Research and discuss the growth of Christian tourism globally.

Module 2: History of Christian Pilgrimage

Topic: Early Christian pilgrimage

Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian pilgrimage.

Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian pilgrimage.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the early Christian pilgrimage, evaluate the impact of pilgrimage on Christian spirituality.

Biblical Text: Acts 2:1-47. The early Christian church and pilgrimage.

Biblical Text: Acts 2:1-47. The early Christian church and pilgrimage.

Book Reading: Coleman, S., & Elsner, J. (1995). Pilgrimage: Past and present in the world religions. Harvard University Press. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Create a timeline of major events in Christian pilgrimage history. Discuss the significance of pilgrimage in Christian tradition.

Module 3: Christian Tourism Trends

Topic: Current trends in Christian tourism

Objective: To analyze current trends in Christian tourism.

Learning Outcomes: Understand current trends in Christian tourism, evaluate the implications of these trends for the industry.

Biblical Text: Matthew 28:18-20. The Great Commission and Christian tourism.

Book Reading: Weidenfeld, A., & Ron, A. S. (2014). Religious tourism management. CAB International. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Analyze current trends in Christian tourism and their implications for the industry. Research and discuss the impact of technology on Christian tourism.

Module 4: Biblical Foundations of Christian Tourism

Topic: Biblical basis for pilgrimage and travel

Objective: To understand the biblical basis for Christian tourism.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the biblical basis for pilgrimage and travel, evaluate the significance of biblical teachings for Christian tourism.

Biblical Text: Deuteronomy 12:1-14. Pilgrimage and worship in the Old Testament.

Book Reading: Psalm 84:1-12. Longing for God’s presence.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the biblical basis for Christian tourism. Discuss the significance of biblical teachings for Christian tourism.

Module 5: Christian Heritage Tourism

Topic: Preservation and conservation of Christian heritage sites

Objective: To understand the importance of preserving Christian heritage sites.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the importance of preserving Christian heritage sites, evaluate the impact of tourism on these sites.

Biblical Text: Matthew 27:57-61. The burial of Jesus and Christian heritage.

Book Reading: Timothy, D. J., & Olsen, D. H. (2006). Tourism, religion and spiritual journeys. Routledge. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Create a case study of a Christian heritage tourism site. Research and discuss the challenges of preserving Christian heritage sites.

Module 6: Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism

Topic: Types of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism

Objective: To understand the different types of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the different types of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism, evaluate the significance of these types for Christian tourism.

Biblical Text: Luke 9:51-62. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.

Book Reading: Sharpley, R., & Jepson, D. (2011). Rural tourism and sustainable business. Channel View Publications. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Analyze the differences between pilgrimage and spiritual tourism. Discuss the significance of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism for Christian tourists.

Module 7: Christian Tour Operations and Management

Topic: Planning and organizing Christian tours

Objective: To understand the planning and organization of Christian tours.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the planning and organization of Christian tours, evaluate the importance of effective tour management.

Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46. The parable of the sheep and the goats.

Book Reading: Holloway, J. C. (2009). The business of tourism. Pearson Education. (Chapters 1-2)

Assignment: Develop a marketing plan for a Christian tour operator. Research and discuss the challenges of managing Christian tours.

Module 8: Christian Hospitality and Service

Topic: Christian values and principles in hospitality

Objective: To understand the importance of Christian hospitality in tourism

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the biblical basis for Christian hospitality, evaluate the importance of Christian hospitality in tourism

Biblical Text: Hebrews 13:1-2 – Show hospitality to strangers

Book Reading: Brotherton, B. (2013). Hospitality and tourism. Goodfellow Publishers. (Chapters 5-6)

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the importance of Christian hospitality in tourism. Discuss the implications of Christian hospitality for tourism development

Module 9: Sustainable Christian Tourism

Topic: Environmental impacts of Christian tourism

Objective: To understand the environmental impacts of Christian tourism

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the environmental impacts of Christian tourism, evaluate the importance of sustainable tourism practices

Biblical Text: Psalm 24:1-2 – God’s ownership of the earth

Book Reading: Swarbrooke, J. (1999). Sustainable tourism management. CABI Publishing. (Chapters 3-4)

Assignment: Analyze the environmental impacts of Christian tourism and propose sustainable. Discuss the implications of sustainable tourism practices for Christian tourism development

Module 10: Christian Tourism and Community Development

Topic: Community-based tourism initiatives

Objective: To understand the importance of community-based tourism initiatives

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the importance of community-based tourism initiatives, evaluate the impact of community-based tourism on local communities

Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and the goats

Book Reading: Manyara, G., & Jones, E. (2007). Community-based tourism enterprises: A framework for sustainable tourism development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 15(5), 554-573.

Assignment: Develop a community-based tourism project proposal. Discuss the implications of community-based tourism initiatives for Christian tourism development

Module 11: Christian Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Topic: Preservation and conservation of cultural heritage sites

Objective: To understand the importance of preserving and conserving cultural heritage sites

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the importance of preserving and conserving cultural heritage sites, evaluate the impact of cultural heritage tourism on local communities.

Biblical Text: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – The temple of God