Post-pandemic religious tourism research: trends, digital innovations, and resilience strategies (2021–2024)

A systematic review of studies of religious tourism evolution in the 2021–2024 period, which entails the analysis of 88 Scopus studies. Publications more than doubled (13 in 2021 to 29 in 2024), and the qualitative research was most focused in Asia (n = 46) and Europe (n = 27). Five major themes were identified: motivations/experiences, economic impacts, host community views, authenticity/commercialization tensions, and environmental sustainability. Methodologically, quantitative surveys predominated (51.1%), but digital methods were not used to their fullest. COVID-19 stimulated previously unexplored fields of investigation, such as virtual pilgrimages, resilience strategies, and technological advancements. At least, critical gaps include longitudinal studies, the impacts of climate change, and detailed theoretical frameworks that integrate sacred-secular processes. It has been recommended that geographical coverage be expanded, that theories be made specific to religion, that sustainable management practices be utilized, and that digital methodologies be used to further elucidate the post-pandemic religious tourism transformation. Understanding religious tourism studies trends, patterns, and strategies post Covid helps in framing future strategies.