Spiritual Hosting and Tourism: The Host-Guest Dimension

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.