The Future Past of Tourism

Provides the first perspective on how the history of tourism will shape its future

This book offers a critical account of the historical evolution of tourism through the identification and discussion of key turning points. Based on these considerations, future turning points are identified and evaluated. The core findings of the book provide the first perspective on how the history of tourism will shape its future.

Ian Yeoman is a futurologist specializing in travel and tourism. Ian worked at VisitScotland where he established the process of futures thinking using a variety of techniques including economic modelling, trends analysis and scenario construction and now works at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and the European Tourism Futures Institute, the Netherlands.

Una McMahon-Beattie is Head of Department for Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Ulster University Business School, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK. Her research includes tourism futures, revenue management and tourism and event marketing.

Ian Yeoman is a futurologist specializing in travel and tourism. Ian worked at VisitScotland where he established the process of futures thinking using a variety of techniques including economic modelling, trends analysis and scenario construction and now works at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and the European Tourism Futures Institute, the Netherlands.

Una McMahon-Beattie is Head of Department for Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Ulster University Business School, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK. Her research includes tourism futures, revenue management and tourism and event marketing.

The belief that the more we know about the past, the better equipped we will be for the future, resonates throughout this book. In a collection of well-crafted chapters, renowned futurist scholars capture and validate the significance of history. This innovative volume demonstrates how the current and potential future existence of our multifaceted tourism industry is persistently influenced, revolutionised and inspired by the past.

This book is to tourism what science fiction is to science. It builds on tourism’s past and present to project future evolutionary scenarios. Not all will take place, but future readers will eventually be able to look back and appreciate the vision and foresight of its contributors. A must-read.

Another masterpiece from the formidable pair Yeoman and McMahon-Beattie tracing the histories of tourism through tipping points for us to learn lessons for the future. This is the book we’ve been waiting for in times of rapid change and uncertainties shedding much-needed light on possible trajectories and contemplating a more sustainable future.