Risk, faith and religious tourism in Second Modernity: visits to Mount Athos in the COVID-19 era

Religious tourism destinations, such as Mount Athos, exhibit remarkable resilience to global health risks like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights how pilgrims and visitors adapted their behavior despite heightened health concerns, underscoring the enduring significance of faith-driven travel even in times of crisis. Using a questionnaire-based approach, researchers analyzed respondents' attitudes toward faith, socio-cultural backgrounds, and preferences for past and future visits. The findings challenge narratives of vulnerability in 'Risk Society' and 'Second Modernity,' demonstrating that religious motivations can outweigh health-related deterrents. This research contributes to understanding the interplay between risk perception and spiritual tourism in contemporary society.

Tsironis, C. N., Sylaiou, S., & Stergiou, E. (2021). Risk, faith and religious tourism in Second Modernity: visits to Mount Athos in the COVID-19 era. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 17(5), 516–532. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2021.2007252