Together with the Pilgrim Center Dovrefjell, researchers from Eastern Norway Research institute at INN are collecting data this summer through a questionnaire. The Pilgrim Center wants to understand how pilegrims on the St. Olavs way in the municipalities of Dovre, Oppdal, Renneby and Orkland contribute to local economic value for businesses and communities.
—We know a lot, but we want to quantify the economic impact of pilgrimage tourism, says regional leader Halldis Prestegård from the Pilgrim Center Dovrefjell.
Local Participation
The survey includes questions about your motivation for using the pilgrimage trail and your expenses in the local area along the trail.
Since locals and leisure residents also use the pilgrimage trail and its facilities, researchers hope they will also respond to the questionnaire.
—It may seem odd to ask about local consumption when studying pilgrims, but understanding the spending of local residents and cottage owners is crucial for analyzing the broader impact of pilgrimage tourism, explains project leader Iveta Malasevska from INN.
—Therefore, we hope residents of the four municipalities will participate.
Digital and anonymous
The questionnaire is digital and responses are anonymous. It can be accessed through various social media channels, such as the Pilgrim Center's Facebook page. Additionally, posters with a QR code leading to the questionnaire will be displayed.
—We hope to gather valuable information to help analyze the financial flows related to pilgrimage tourism, says Malasevska.