Disciplines
• Hotel And Restaurant Management
• Parks Recreation And Tourism
Workplace diversity: Because of its
nature, the hotel, tourism and recreation
industry has sites in locales and cultures
around the world. Religion can be an aspect
of cultural differences, meaning that those
who manage or work at such sites will encounter
colleagues and customers from different religious
backgrounds. The United States itself has
a diverse population and workforce - and U.S.
landmarks and recreational sites attract visitors
from around the world. A working knowledge
of religious beliefs is helpful for those
in service-based industries, because neither
tourists nor employees leave their religion
at home.
Cultural diversity:
At times the tourism industries will demand
that professionals travel outside their
cultural comfort zones in order to either
work or forge working relationships with
others. Knowing the possible pitfalls in
cultural exchanges is a step toward avoiding
them and building stronger contacts. In
addition, those in the tourism industry
have high amounts of contact with a diverse
public. Because tourism is service-based,
the need to provide excellent service based
on sensitivity and understanding is crucial.
This could range from understanding that
some faiths have dietary restrictions to
the need for space for customary prayers.
Religious-themed travel:
Travel packages for religious experience
are on the rise. Trips to the Holy Land
and other parts of the Middle East, for
example, have increased in the past 15 years.
Travel packages for Muslims making trips
to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the hajj
(the pilgrimage to Mecca, required of Muslims
at least once in their lives) also are on
the rise. Travel performs more than a leisure
need and the industry can be ready to fulfill
the spiritual yearnings of those who want
to travel for religious reasons. Another
trend is travel packages, such as cruises,
airfare, buses, and hotels, for religious
groups, from Christian couples and Jewish
seniors to religious youth groups and women's
retreats. Hotels and other sites also have
a lucrative market in religious gatherings
and conferences. Understanding the needs
of religious travelers - with special attention
to cultural and religious observances -
is a good tool for recreation and travel
professionals.
Other travel: America's
parks and landmarks attract visitors from
around the world, from a multitude of nations,
languages, religions and cultures. Administrators
and personnel can find ways to be sensitive
and helpful to each, through signage, guide
materials in appropriate languages and exhibits
that explain the diversity of American history
and culture. Travel publishers and agencies
can also provide information to travelers
in the U.S. and abroad about how they may
practice their faith in various countries
(such as available houses of worship, or
religious restrictions). They may also provide
information about the cultural and religious
customs of countries where tourists may
visit, so that they may travel without offending,
or being singled out, and get the most of
their cultural experience. Travelers also
need to be aware that there are some countries
where travel is largely limited due to restrictions
of religious-based governments.
Issues today: Researchers
could study how much religion impacts people's
decisions to travel, and to where. What
are people's concerns about travel? Are
they concerned they may not be able to practice
their faith in another country? Are they
concerned that they may not understand the
mores of another culture? Do they worry
about danger as a result of volatile religious
climates? How important is it for people
of various faiths to travel to their faith's
homeland, or to get a first-hand view of
significant sites? Researchers could study
what resources are available about religious
education and travel, or what countries
are the best/worst, safest/least safe or
most significant for various faiths. The
Center aims to help people bridge religious
differences in positive ways and to teach
about religious beliefs in practical settings;
travel to other countries and experiencing
other religions and cultures first-hand
has the potential to accomplish a similar
goal.
American
Academy of Religion Syllabi Search
Leisure
and the Quality of Life
Dr. Richard Gitelson
Arizona State University
Pilgrimage
Prof. Andrew Jacobs
University of California, Riverside
Center for Faith and Business
Christian Chamber of Commerce Association
Christian Coaches Network
Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Interfaith Etiquette Guide (Foundation for Religious Freedom)
Religion Etiquette Beliefnet
• Also see listing for Business
• See a full list of professional associations and resources here.
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