Abstract

This paper examines the impact of religious tourism using Cistercian Monastery in Awhum as a case study. The study employed qualitative research methods such as participant observation, key informant interview, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion for data collection. It was discovered that tourists’ visit to Cistercian Monastery has positive and negative impacts. The positive impacts include the provision of employment opportunities, income generation, development facilitation, and an improvement in the standard of living for members of the host community as well as spiritual benefits such as creating the opportunity and a conducive environment for tourists to establish better relationships with the Supreme Being. In addition, pilgrimage to Awhum Monastery popularizes the host community and enables religious tourists to visit other ecotourism sites within the monastery complex. The negative impacts are increased noise, crime rates, and cultic activities as well as hostility between the religious community and the host community. The author recommends sensitizing the host community to the dangers of clashes with the religious community and upgrading security.