J1) Virtual Reality and Multifaith Pilgrimage: Assessing the Impact of VR Technology on Religious Tourism Across Different Traditions

Religious tourism has traditionally been a deeply immersive, physical experience, drawing in millions of pilgrims to sacred sites across different faiths. However, with advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) technology, religious tourism is evolving to offer virtual experiences of these sacred spaces. VR's potential to make sacred journeys more accessible, especially for individuals facing physical, financial, or geopolitical barriers. While VR enhances interfaith understanding and can complement traditional pilgrimages through immersive and educational experiences, it raises critical questions about spiritual authenticity, theological legitimacy, and ethical use. However, VR is not a full replacement for physical pilgrimage due to its limitations in replicating communal, ritualistic, and transformative elements. Accessibility remains a strength, but issues like digital exclusion and commercialization require further attention. Furthermore, VR should be considered a supplementary tool in religious tourism, and future research should investigate its long-term impact across various faith traditions. This research explores the role of VR in transforming religious tourism across multiple faith traditions, including Islam (Hajj simulations), Christianity (virtual tours of the Vatican), Hinduism (immersive experiences of Varanasi’s ghats), Buddhism (digital recreations of Lumbini), and Judaism (Western Wall VR visits). By analysing case studies and user experiences, this study investigates the extent to which VR enhances spiritual engagement, increases accessibility for those unable to travel, and preserves religious heritage. Additionally, it examines the challenges and ethical considerations of virtualizing sacred experiences, such as the loss of physical presence, commercialization, and authenticity concerns. The findings aim to provide insights into whether VR serves as a complementary tool for religious tourism or risks diminishing the essence of pilgrimage in various religious traditions.