Residents' perception of spiritual tourism and its socio-economic impacts in Quiapo, Manila.

This study examines residents' perceptions of spiritual tourism and its socio-economic impacts in Barangays 306 and 307, Quiapo, Manila. Utilizing descriptive research design, the study focuses on understanding the spiritual tourism and its implications for the local community. A total of 259 respondents were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, adopted from Balaga and Maravilla (2024), with sections addressing demographic profiles, perceptions of spiritual tourists, and the economic and social impacts of spiritual tourism. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, and ANOVA was applied for data analysis. Findings reveal that respondents perceive spiritual tourism positively, emphasizing its role in boosting local business revenues, creating employment opportunities, and preserving cultural heritage. However, concerns were noted regarding commercialization and infrastructure strain during major religious events like the Traslación. The results highlight the need for sustainable tourism strategies that balance economic benefits with cultural and social preservation. Recommendations include enhanced community engagement, targeted policy interventions, and the development of sustainable practices to optimize the benefits of spiritual tourism while mitigating its challenges. This research contributes to the discourse on urban spiritual tourism, providing actionable insights for stakeholders in tourism development and community planning.