FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERCEPTIONS OF PILGRIM TOURISTS IN SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION: A CASE STUDY OF GOLDEN TEMPLE, VELLORE CITY, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Purpose of the study: This empirical study aims to identify the perceptions of pilgrim tourists’ regarding their accommodation and transport facilities in the Golden Temple, Vellore city, Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: This study used both primary and secondary data for data collection among pilgrim tourists. Data were later on analyzed using SPSS statistical tools like percentage, Chi-square, ANOVA using Statistical Package for Social Sciences were applied. Results: The findings of the study indicate that the income of the family doesn’t relate to accommodation facilities and the age of the respondents was affected by the transport facilities in Vellore City. Applications of this study: The study brings to highlights the basics of accommodation and transportation and the factors affecting the perception of pilgrim’s tourists. It concludes that the age of the respondents affects the transport facilities in Vellore City. The transportation facilities should be improved for the tourists to attract and improve pilgrim tourism. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study has found that the tourists had sufficient maturity, education and good exposure about their destination. The study found that accommodation facilities such as comfort, peace, safety and security, attitude and behavior of staff, and sanitation and hygiene are not more satisfied. Transport facilities such as Signboard, street lights, traffic rules have to be improved.