Interest in tourism with a social imperative is gaining momentum not only amongst policy makers, but also researchers and the academy. This thought-provoking and timely Handbook considers the impact and challenges that social tourism has on people's lives. Integrating case studies from around the world, chapters showcase the latest research on social tourism and its potential role in tackling the challenges posed by modern, mass tourism development that can lead to sustainable alternatives and social equity in participation. Contributors explore tourism activities that are directed towards positive social and personal outcomes for people who would not be able to access leisure or holiday travel without such interventions and illustrate the social imperative of tourism as a force for good. The Handbook of Social Tourism enables academics and students from various disciplines, as well as practitioners in the tourism sector, to obtain a more holistic understanding of this phenomenon and offers an enlightening and stimulating read. Contributors include: C. Billen, N. Carr, J.D. Cisneros-Martinez, V. Cops, A. Diekmann, V. Eichhorn, A.E. Estrada-Gonzalez, C. Eusebio, A. Fernandez-Morales, J. Finniear, E. Herengodts, E. Hermans, P. Hunter Jones, L. Jolin, K.I. Kakoudakis, M. Kay Smith, R. Komppula, T. Kosar, J. Lima, S. McCabe, L. Minnaert, N. Morgan, B. Prideaux, S. Pyke, J. Pyke, G. Qiao, Y. Ram, A.C. Reyes Uribe, H. Schanzel, E. Schenkel, G. Shaw, L. Sie, E. Vento, M. Vilele de Almeida, M. Vincent, J. Wooton

Interest in tourism with a social imperative is gaining momentum not only amongst policy makers, but also researchers and the academy. This thought-provoking and timely Handbook considers the impact and challenges that social tourism has on people's lives. Integrating case studies from around the world, chapters showcase the latest research on social tourism and its potential role in tackling the challenges posed by modern, mass tourism development that can lead to sustainable alternatives and social equity in participation. Contributors explore tourism activities that are directed towards positive social and personal outcomes for people who would not be able to access leisure or holiday travel without such interventions and illustrate the social imperative of tourism as a force for good. The Handbook of Social Tourism enables academics and students from various disciplines, as well as practitioners in the tourism sector, to obtain a more holistic understanding of this phenomenon and offers an enlightening and stimulating read. Contributors include: C. Billen, N. Carr, J.D. Cisneros-Martinez, V. Cops, A. Diekmann, V. Eichhorn, A.E. Estrada-Gonzalez, C. Eusebio, A. Fernandez-Morales, J. Finniear, E. Herengodts, E. Hermans, P. Hunter Jones, L. Jolin, K.I. Kakoudakis, M. Kay Smith, R. Komppula, T. Kosar, J. Lima, S. McCabe, L. Minnaert, N. Morgan, B. Prideaux, S. Pyke, J. Pyke, G. Qiao, Y. Ram, A.C. Reyes Uribe, H. Schanzel, E. Schenkel, G. Shaw, L. Sie, E. Vento, M. Vilele de Almeida, M. Vincent, J. Wooton

Building on previous work on backpacking, this book takes the analysis of backpacker tourism further by engaging both with new theoretical debates into tourism experiences and mobilities as well as with new empirical phenomena such as the rise of the 'flashpacker' and alternative destinations. Chapters include material on flashpacking, the virtualization of backpacker culture, the re-conceptualisation of lifestyle travellers, backpackers as volunteer tourists, as well as backpackers' experiences of hostels, mobilities and their policy implications. It sets a new benchmark for the study of independent travel in the contemporary world.

Social tourism is at a pivotal point. Over the past decade, there has been increased interest and research into social tourism issues, and as a result there is now much greater evidence on the important role that social tourism can play in providing significant benefits for the people supported through social tourism schemes. However, despite these advances and awareness of the benefits of tourism participation in most countries, there is still much confusion and ambiguity about the definition, role, and purpose of social tourism. This comprehensive volume reflects recent shifts in social tourism research by focusing on target groups and the benefits or constraints of these groups in holiday participation. The authors explore the diversity of issues, theories and social contexts that are relevant to social tourism research, offering a range of quantitative and qualitative methods and experimental designs as well as various policy and practice contexts to address policy issues. They also highlight opportunities for greater intensity of research on the importance of policy in advancing social tourism and to stress the fundamental role that social tourism can play in achieving strategic policy goals towards enhancing wellbeing, citizenship, and quality of life in the future. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events.

Social tourism is at a pivotal point. Over the past decade, there has been increased interest and research into social tourism issues, and as a result there is now much greater evidence on the important role that social tourism can play in providing significant benefits for the people supported through social tourism schemes. However, despite these advances and awareness of the benefits of tourism participation in most countries, there is still much confusion and ambiguity about the definition, role, and purpose of social tourism. This comprehensive volume reflects recent shifts in social tourism research by focusing on target groups and the benefits or constraints of these groups in holiday participation. The authors explore the diversity of issues, theories and social contexts that are relevant to social tourism research, offering a range of quantitative and qualitative methods and experimental designs as well as various policy and practice contexts to address policy issues. They also highlight opportunities for greater intensity of research on the importance of policy in advancing social tourism and to stress the fundamental role that social tourism can play in achieving strategic policy goals towards enhancing wellbeing, citizenship, and quality of life in the future. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events.

This book, the first on social tourism in English, provides a comprehensive analysis of the various systems and practices in support of disadvantaged people's enjoyment of tourism. Combining theory and practice and a truly European perspective, this book provides an interdisciplinary approach to examine the concepts and contexts underpinning social tourism that will be a key reference point for students, practitioners and researchers. Theoretical perspectives on social tourism are assessed in the context of social inequality, sustainability, family diversity, mobility and the welfare society. The case studies cover public initiatives, charities and voluntary organisations, from a range of different countries including the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark and Poland, covering the diversity of systems and practices in Europe.

Tourism to and within India has undergone some important changes in recent years seen by the rising numbers of international tourists and increase in domestic tourism. This has led to the redevelopment and rebranding of many of its destinations as the Indian government has begun to recognise the potential importance of tourism to the Indian economy and has begun to invest in tourism infrastructure. It is also recognised that as its economy continues to grow at a rapid rate, India will also become one of the most important countries in terms of future outbound tourism. Tourism and India is the first book to specifically focus on and fully analyze the issues facing contemporary India both as a destination and a potential source of tourists. The book analyses previous research and applies critical theory to key aspects of tourism in this region and supports this with a wide range of examples to illustrate the key conceptual points. As such the book examines aspects of tourism in India including tourism governance, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, nature-based tourism from the supply side and international tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism and the Indian Diaspora from the demand side. This timely book includes original research to offer insights into India's future development in terms of tourism. It will be of interest to students, researchers and academics in the areas of Tourism, Geography and related disciplines.

Tourism to and within India has undergone some important changes in recent years seen by the rising numbers of international tourists and increase in domestic tourism. This has led to the redevelopment and rebranding of many of its destinations as the Indian government has begun to recognise the potential importance of tourism to the Indian economy and has begun to invest in tourism infrastructure. It is also recognised that as its economy continues to grow at a rapid rate, India will also become one of the most important countries in terms of future outbound tourism.

Tourism and India is the first book to specifically focus on and fully analyze the issues facing contemporary India both as a destination and a potential source of tourists. The book analyses previous research and applies critical theory to key aspects of tourism in this region and supports this with a wide range of examples to illustrate the key conceptual points. As such the book examines aspects of tourism in India including tourism governance, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, nature-based tourism from the supply side and international tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism and the Indian Diaspora from the demand side.

This timely book includes original research to offer insights into India's future development in terms of tourism. It will be of interest to students, researchers and academics in the areas of Tourism, Geography and related disciplines.

Social tourism - the practice of offering programmes, events and activities to enable disadvantaged population groups to enjoy tourism - is of increasing interest to academia. Beginning with an introduction to the social tourism concept, its relevance and target groups, this book then provides reflections about emerging topics case studies of programmes in action across Europe, Oceania and the Americas. It considers the tourism experience from the point of view of young people, families, senior citizens and people with disabilities, before covering the impacts of social tourism initiatives on both participants and tourism destinations. It concludes by reflecting on the practical challenges and policy implications emerging from theory and practice, highlighting common challenges and identifying guidelines for designing social tourism initiatives. This book: Covers the challenges faced by the sector and the relevance of promoting tourism programmes for disadvantaged groups of society. Promotes research that bridges theory and practice, permitting the identification of guidelines for more effective social tourism initiatives. Includes case studies from around the world to provide a global perspective. An important read for researchers of tourism, social inclusion and accessibility, this book will therefore also be of interest to students and practitioners of these areas.

Transformational Tourism deals with the important issue of how travel and tourism can change human behaviour and have a positive impact on the world. The book focuses on human development in a world dominated by post-9/11 security and political challenges, economic and financial collapses, as well as environmental threats; it identifies various types of tourism that can transform human beings, such as educational, volunteer, survival, community-based, eco, farm, extreme, religious, spiritual, wellness, and mission tourism.

This book focuses on ethnic and minority communities in urban contexts and the ways in which their cultures are represented in tourism development. It offers a multi-disciplinary approach which draws on examples and case studies of ethnic and minority communities and cultural tourism development from all around the world, including slums in India, favelas in Brazil, Chinatowns in Australia, Jewish quarters in Central and Eastern Europe, ethnic villages in China, the African district of Brussels, the gay quarter in Cape Town and a desert town in Israel. It offers a positive perspective on ethnic and minority cultures and communities at a time when social and political support is lacking in many countries. This book will be a useful resource for those studying and researching cultural and urban tourism, urban planning and development, community studies and urban and cultural geography.