Community Livelihood and Sustainability of Religious Tourism Destination: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Benefits

Reconciling the conservation of natural environments with community livelihoods presents a significant problem for the sustainable management of cultural sites, such as pilgrimage destinations, in developing nations. Researchers and practitioners are exploring methods to address this dilemma by linking the lives of individuals residing near pilgrimage sites with conservation initiatives. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between local community livelihoods and the sustainability of religious tourism destinations in the context of developing countries. A survey of houses was conducted to collect information from participants. Yamane's formula was utilized to choose a sample of 382 households. The research employs structured questionnaires distributed to household heads residing near Subukia Shrine in Kenya. The results indicated an indirect influence of local community livelihoods on the viability of religious tourism destinations through perceived benefits. This study's conclusions emphasize the significance of sustainable livelihoods and commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The convergence of sustainable livelihoods and local community perceived benefits is posited to facilitate the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in less developed countries, like Kenya. The results of this study provide valuable insights for destination management organizations, legislators, and tourism stakeholders.