‘SERVICE DELIVERY ’ AT SACRED SITES POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF MANAGEMENT

Many sacred sites, in all religious traditions, attract large numbers of non-worshipping (‘tourist’) visitors. This frequently causes problems, as the managers of such sites are unaccustomed, or unwilling, to deal with commercial issues although they may be increasingly reliant on revenue generated by visitors to maintain the function of the worshipping community and conserve the site. This paper examines some of the underlying issues involved and asks how these may be approached from a service delivery perspective to improve the quality of the experience that both worshippers and non-worshippers receive at sacred sites. The main focus of the remarks being made here is on Christian sites in Europe