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.

Social tourism refers to facilitating access to tourism for low income groups and/or the use of tourism as a regeneration and economic stimulation strategy. Although social tourism has its roots in the early 20th Century and is still a major component of the tourism sector in a range of countries, the concept has received relatively little research attention until recently. In this volume, international specialists on social tourism present perspectives on social tourism from different disciplines and geographical contexts. The book highlights the multitude of interpretations and implementations of social tourism that make the concept so multi-faceted: examples reviewed in this book include holiday vouchers in Hungary, charity initiatives in the UK, tourism schemes for senior citizens in Spain and state provision in Brazil.

Seven themed chapters and two case studies explore the potential of social tourism from a range of perspectives. Should tourism be a right that is available to all? Is social tourism indispensable in a sustainable tourism strategy? What are the different systems of social tourism supply and demand in Europe, and why do the implementations differ so much between countries? The book provides a critical reflection on these and other questions, and is therefore a key resource for social tourism researchers and practitioners.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Current Issues in Tourism.

Social tourism refers to facilitating access to tourism for low income groups and/or the use of tourism as a regeneration and economic stimulation strategy. Although social tourism has its roots in the early 20th Century and is still a major component of the tourism sector in a range of countries, the concept has received relatively little research attention until recently. In this volume, international specialists on social tourism present perspectives on social tourism from different disciplines and geographical contexts. The book highlights the multitude of interpretations and implementations of social tourism that make the concept so multi-faceted: examples reviewed in this book include holiday vouchers in Hungary, charity initiatives in the UK, tourism schemes for senior citizens in Spain and state provision in Brazil. Seven themed chapters and two case studies explore the potential of social tourism from a range of perspectives. Should tourism be a right that is available to all? Is social tourism indispensable in a sustainable tourism strategy? What are the different systems of social tourism supply and demand in Europe, and why do the implementations differ so much between countries? The book provides a critical reflection on these and other questions, and is therefore a key resource for social tourism researchers and practitioners. This book was originally published as a special issue of Current Issues in Tourism.

Special interest tourism is growing rapidly due to a discerning and heterogeneous travel market and the demand for more focused activity or interest-based tourism experiences. This book approaches the topic from the perspective of both supply and demand, and addresses the complexities now inherent in this area of tourism. It presents a contextualised overview of contemporary academic research, concepts, principles and industry-based practice insights, and also considers the future of special interest tourism in light of the emergence of ethical consumerism. With a clear, user-friendly structure, the book: -Links theoretical frameworks to clear practical applications. -Reviews key emerging issues for tourism relating to families and faith, the performing arts, active and passive pursuits, therapeutic leisure and travelling. -Includes contributions and case studies from international academics and practitioners to give a truly global overview. Sometimes referred to as niche or contemporary tourism, this book provides a complete introduction to the study of special interest tourism for students.

Tourism has long been considered a source of social inequality, and as the industry continues to expand rapidly there is an increasing need for a better understanding of its consequences. Providing a synthesis of tourism as a source of injustice, Tourism and Inequality addresses a wide range of interrelated forms of inequality, investigating its association with class, nation, ethnicity, race, gender, disability and age. Chapters examine routes towards social justice and initiatives that aim to advance poverty alleviation, fair trade, ethics and human rights. The analysis of a wide variety of case studies from around the world allows an exploration into the ways that tourism can be used positively to alleviate the impacts of social injustice. Providing a unique multidisciplinary perspective, the authors aim to lead the way towards a more socially responsible future for tourism practise.

Tourism has long been considered a source of social inequality, and as the industry continues to expand rapidly there is an increasing need for a better understanding of its consequences. Providing a synthesis of tourism as a source of injustice, Tourism and Inequality addresses a wide range of interrelated forms of inequality, investigating its association with class, nation, ethnicity, race, gender, disability and age. Chapters examine routes towards social justice and initiatives that aim to advance poverty alleviation, fair trade, ethics and human rights. The analysis of a wide variety of case studies from around the world allows an exploration into the ways that tourism can be used positively to alleviate the impacts of social injustice. Providing a unique multidisciplinary perspective, the authors aim to lead the way towards a more socially responsible future for tourism practise.

This introductory text provides readers with a robust understanding of tourism and its industries, including how destinations are developed, marketed and managed, and how tourism impacts communities, environments and economies. The authors discuss the critical issues affecting 21st century tourism, such as sustainability, the climate crisis, globalisation, community, technology, the environment and the sharing economy. The text has been fully updated in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its notable, and in some cases lasting, impacts on the tourism industry. The text features new mini-case studies (snapshots) and international case studies from countries around the globe including USA, Saudi Arabia, India, China, New Zealand, Australia, Namibia and the UK. It discusses the latest trends in transport, hospitality, attractions and the travel trade and includes examples from major tourism companies including Trip.com, TUI and Airbnb. The book is suitable for students who are starting their tourism studies as part of their college or university education. Clare Inkson is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Course Leader of BA Tourism with Business at the University of Westminster, London. Lynn Minnaert is the Academic Director and Clinical Associate Professor at New York University's Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism.