Spiritual Health through Pilgrimage Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Background and Objectives: Going on a pilgrimage for spiritual and religious purposes is not a new phenomenon and can be considered one of the oldest tourism typologies. This form of travel is related to the task social perception, which is stronger than leisure or pleasure. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to study how spiritual well-being is achieved through pilgrimages trips. Methods: This qualitative research was carried out using ethnographic methodology. Data collection was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 30 female tourists. Purposive sampling was conducted in pilgrimage sites in Shiraz. Participants were selected according to certain features including pilgrimage experience, gender, and sex. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: The results indicated that pilgrimage consisted of seven themes: relationship, spiritual relaxation, self-sacrifice, Loving others, hope and optimism, coping with problems, and excellence. Ultimately, the global theme of the social-spiritual empowerment was developed. Conclusion: Nowadays, pilgrimage plays a very effective role in the spiritual and social empowerment of people such that they not only manage to reduce