Motivations and Collective Decision-Making in Islamic Pilgrimage Tourism: Insights from an Islamic Community Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of a community visiting the pilgrimage site of The Sepulchral Monument of Kanjeng Dalem Cikundul in West Java, Indonesia. 17 participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data was collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. The results show that personal motivations, such as seeking peace of mind, receiving blessings, ensuring effective prayers, honoring legacies, fulfilling pilgrimage as worship mandated by the Prophet Muhammad, reflecting on mortality, and seeking a refreshing escape, align with group motivations that include increasing the likelihood of prayers being answered, reducing costs and travel risks, facilitating socialization, interacting with other community groups, maintaining relationships, upholding tradition, and seeking education. The study identifies three decision-making mechanisms: top-down, perceived bottom-up, and consensus-based, each with distinct advantages and challenges. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective tourism management and policy-making. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted marketing, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with religious and community leaders to enhance the pilgrimage experience.