Local communities within the scope of sustainable tourism perspective on faith tourism: Van province example

This research aims to evaluate local people's perspective on religous tourism within the context of sustainable tourism in Van Province. In this context, a total of 402 local people were surveyed between May and June 2024. The responses were analyzed in the SPSS 27 statistical program. Frequency analysis and percentages of demographic questions were given during the analysis. The mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis values of the statements in the questionnaire were also subjected to factor analysis, correlation analysis, and difference analysis. Accordingly, it has been determined that local people have a positive perspective on religous tourism within the scope of sustainable tourism and support the promotion, development, and restoration activities of religous tourism. However, the responses to the statements "I am concerned about the restoration of historical buildings belonging to different religous" and "The restoration of historical monuments belonging to different religous will lead to foreigners claiming rights here" reveal some cultural and social reservations among the local people. The success of such activities is believed to hinge on considering public concerns and crafting a tourism policy that aligns with local culture. It is recommended that local people should be included in these activities and that information and awareness-raising should be done to make existing structures suitable for religious tourism. Promotional activities are believed to enhance the potential of religous tourism.