Spiritual Hosting and Tourism: The Host-Guest Dimension

Yoel Mansfeld, Alison J. Mcintosh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract: This paper contributes to an understanding of how spirituality and faith can shape the nature of the hosttourist encounter. Specifically, using the case of the New Zealand HIT (Hosting Israeli Travellers) network, this paper explores the phenomenon of ‘spiritual hosting’ and its influence on the host-guest interaction. By applying assumptions based on the ‘Value-Stretch Model’ and analysis of in-depth interviews, the paper characterizes the nature of the encounters between Israeli backpackers and their Messianic Christian hosts. The research analysis revealed that hosts fulfilled far more than their initial spiritual expectations by evangelizing Israeli travellers through hosting. These benefits were accompanied by strong socio-cultural experiences. Guests, who primarily sought low-cost accommodation, reported they also underwent profound spiritual and socio-cultural experiences.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-168
Number of pages12
JournalTourism Recreation Research
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2009 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • host-guest encounter
  • spiritual hosting
  • spirituality
  • tourism experience

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Cultural Studies
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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