BEYOND DEVOTION: DETERMINANTS OF PILGRIMAGE TRAVEL, EXPERIENCE QUALITY, AND LOCAL ECONOMIC SPILLOVERS AT FORT PILAR SHRINE, ZAMBOANGA CITY

Abstract

Pilgrimage tourism increasingly functions as a hybrid form of mobility where devotion intersects with heritage interest, service expectations, and local consumption. This study examines pilgrimage tourism at Fort Pilar Shrine, Zamboanga City, focusing on (1) determinants of pilgrimage travel, (2) perceived experience quality, and (3) local economic spillovers. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was applied: an onsite survey of 500 pilgrims generated descriptive evidence on visitor profiles, motivations, satisfaction attributes, and spending patterns; this was followed by 20 semi-structured stakeholder interviews (LGU, tourism actors, and religious/community leaders) analyzed thematically to interpret operational constraints and governance issues. Findings indicate that travel is primarily anchored in religious devotion (M = 4.32, SD = 0.88) and seeking blessings/spiritual healing (M = 4.12, SD = 0.97), while heritage appreciation (M = 3.89, SD = 0.92) remains a secondary yet consequential pull. Overall experience quality is high (M = 4.56, SD = 0.78), with strongest ratings for cleanliness and staff interaction; the most persistent service gaps are parking capacity and wayfinding/signage. For local policy relevance, expenditure estimates are reported in Philippine pesos (PHP), using BSP exchange-rate reference tables for the study period. Average daily spend is approximately ₱2,763 (SD ≈ ₱663), implying ₱276.3M in indicative direct spending and ₱442.0M in indicative total local effects under the original volume and multiplier assumptions. Fort Pilar’s dual sacred–heritage character—recognized under Presidential Decree No. 260 (1973)—strengthens the need for governance arrangements that protect sacred atmosphere while managing peak-period congestion and commercialization pressures.