ABSTRACT
A consistent characteristic of religion is the sacred place that draws adher- ents, often on a periodic basis, as pilgrims. Pilgrimage now constitutes a significant component of world travel. Lourdes, Mecca, and Varanasi, as well as many smaller shrines throughout the world, draw visitors seeking spiritual experience who need accommodation and meals, as well as goods and services that may be required to enact the requisite ritual, achieve the moment of insight, or perform the purification. Providing pilgrimage expe- rience thereby becomes the basis for a local economy whose market trades in spiritual consumption.
