SERVICES QUALITY IN RELIGIOUS TOURISM WITH REFERENCE TO NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES IN THANJAVUR DISTRICT

Abstract

This research delves into the realm of Religious Tourism Service Quality, specifically focusing on the Navagraha Temples in the culturally rich Thanjavur District. As the oldest form of tourism, religious pilgrimage has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. The study employs the World Tourism Organization's standards to assess safety, hygiene, accessibility, transparency, authenticity, and harmony in the context of these temples. Using a structured questionnaire and statistical analysis, the research unveils pilgrims' perceptions of service quality across various dimensions and establishes correlations with overall satisfaction. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, temple management, and policymakers in enhancing the religious tourism experience in this region.