Revitalizing the Exhausted Self: A Comparative Study of the Motivations Behind Spiritual Tourism and the Effects of Spiritual Energy Renewal Practices in the East and West

The project explores the growing phenomenon of spiritual tourism, focusing on wellbeing retreats in Austria and Thailand. The study aims to investigate the motivations of individuals seeking spiritual renewal and the impact of spiritual tourism on local communities, particularly in Koh Phangan, Thailand. The research will first examine how spiritual retreats in Austria are organized and experienced, followed by a field trip to Thailand to conduct a comparative study of similar offerings in Koh Phangan. Our established cooperation with Mahidol University will be leveraged to address the underexplored perspective of local residents, who are, on the one hand, economically dependent on spiritual tourism but, on the other hand, only loosely connected to these offerings, which are exclusively dedicated to Western travelers. By employing qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnography, and auto-ethnography, the study aims to provide a holistic view of the dynamics of spiritual tourism, its participants, and its impact on both Western visitors and local Thai communities.