Social Tourism in Europe

This book examines the concept of social tourism within a European context. It places social tourism within a historical context of social development in the region, highlighting the diverse ways in which social tourism has evolved, identifying commonalities and providing a comprehensive definition.

Scott McCabe graduated from his doctoral studies in 2001 and has been working in higher education for last sixteen years. Scott is currently head of the Marketing Division at NottinghamUniversityBusinessSchool, where he has worked for seven years. Previously he worked in the hospitality sector, mainly in small hotels, restaurants and bars, travelling widely in Europe, Australia and South East Asia. He worked for a time in the fine wine trade.

Dr Lynn Minnaert is a lecturer in tourism and events at the University of Surrey. Her research focuses on social tourism and social sustainability in tourism and events.

Anya Diekmann is Professor of Tourism at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. Her research focuses mainly on cultural tourism, urban ethnic and slum tourism as well as social tourism.

Scott McCabe graduated from his doctoral studies in 2001 and has been working in higher education for last sixteen years. Scott is currently head of the Marketing Division at Nottingham University Business School, where he has worked for seven years. Previously he worked in the hospitality sector, mainly in small hotels, restaurants and bars, travelling widely in Europe, Australia and South East Asia. He worked for a time in the fine wine trade.

Dr Lynn Minnaert is a lecturer in tourism and events at the University of Surrey. Her research focuses on social tourism and social sustainability in tourism and events.

Anya Diekmann is Professor of Tourism at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. Her research focuses mainly on cultural tourism, urban ethnic and slum tourism as well as social tourism.

This book, therefore, fills a need among tourism scholars and industry organizers who seek practical information on the rights and responsibilities assigned travel, and the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of tourism in the 21st Century. I found it a useful resource for introductory university courses in tourism and cultural anthropology. I would also recommend it for anyone interested in the history of European tourism and the ceremonial nature of tourist activities.

This well-researched collection of papers provides a refreshing insight into the diverse historical experiences and interpretations of ‘social tourism’ across Europe. Through a combination of penetrating theoretical analysis and up-to-date practical illustration it raises a number of fundamental questions regarding the role of tourism in contemporary societies and presents a powerful case for regarding tourism as more than a commercially-driven industry or item of discretionary leisure consumption but also as a vital social need and universal right.

In austere times, Social Tourism has the potential to make innovative contributions to the restructuring of both the visitor economy and social policy. This book is a timely addition to the emerging research on this neglected topic. Its wide-ranging and challenging review of the concepts that underlie social tourism together with examples of how it is practised will make it invaluable to researchers, students and policymakers.