Challenges and Sustainability Issues in Pilgrimage Tourism: Evidence from Nashik

Abstract

 Pilgrimage tourism constitutes a significant segment of religious and cultural travel, contributing extensively to regional economic development, cultural preservation, and employment generation. However, the rapid expansion of pilgrimage destinations has raised critical concerns regarding sustainability, infrastructure adequacy, and environmental degradation. The present study investigates the major challenges and sustainability issues associated with pilgrimage tourism in Nashik, a prominent religious destination in India. The study is based on primary data collected from 927 respondents, including pilgrims, local residents, and tourism stakeholders, using a structured questionnaire. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships among key variables. The findings reveal that overcrowding, traffic congestion, inadequate sanitation, and environmental pollution are the most significant challenges affecting tourism sustainability. Furthermore, infrastructure development and stakeholder coordination exhibit a strong positive influence on visitor satisfaction, whereas environmental degradation has a significant negative impact. The study concludes that sustainable pilgrimage tourism requires integrated planning, technological intervention, and environmental conservation strategies to ensure long-term viability.