Linking emotional solidarity with residents' support for religious tourism development: an empirical research from a cultural heritage context

Purpose The aim of this research study is to examine the role of emotional solidarity on religious tourism support. Data for the present research work were attained from various groups of residents in Amasya province/Türkiye. Design/methodology/approach The Google form-based questionnaires were self-managed by the participants. In the context of the survey, 306 complete questionnaires were gathered. For the data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used via SmartPLS 4.0 software in conjunction with SPSS version 23. Findings The analysis results show that the emotional solidarity dimensions such as welcoming nature and sympathetic understanding were found to be positively related with religious tourism support at different coefficient levels; however, emotional closeness was not statistically related. Originality/value This study adds fresh insights into the field of tourist literature and has beneficial ramifications for business development in the area of religious tourism.