Children in Tourism Communities

This book explores how children living in tourism destinations are particularly susceptible to the impacts of tourism and how they can be included in public policies, programmes and decision-making, focusing particularly on case studies in Europe.

Children in Tourism Communities argues that for tourism to exercise its regenerative role and encourage sustainable development, it must be inclusive of all voices, especially children who represent the future generation and will soon become adults with the rights and responsibilities for engaging in and delivering tourism activities. The book is based on original, ground-breaking research assessing the views of children regarding tourism, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism and development. It includes discussion on key case study locations including Croatia, India, Ireland, Malta, Serbia and Slovenia, although the themes, issues and practices have relevance in all tourism destinations worldwide. Through child-centred research, the book evaluates the differences between those living in mass tourism destinations and smaller-scale micro tourism areas. It encourages a rethinking of sustainability as a concept and demonstrates how tourism can be utilised as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This will be an important discussion text for students, academics, and instructors in sustainable tourism and development, destination management, culture and heritage, as well as practitioners engaged in continuing professional development in these areas.

"Children are seldom identified as stakeholders in tourism development and marketing. It is refreshing to see the authors of this book take up this topic and to provide such comprehensive coverage of how to better involve younger people in community tourism. This text provides invaluable information on how children perceive tourism, how they are involved in tourism, and how they can contribute to more meaningful tourism in destinations. The authors are to be highly commended in preparing such an innovative and insightful book on children and tourism. This is a must-read for all seriously interested in community tourism development, including practitioners and students."

Alastair M. Morrison, Research Professor, School of Management and Marketing, Greenwich Business School, UK

?This volume provides a much-needed child-inclusive human rights approach to communities dealing with tourism. In an era of overtourism and climate catastrophes, the voices of future generations matter more than ever. This is essential reading for any researchers and destination managers willing to understand how tourism impacts children and how their young powers can be harnessed for a more sustainable future.? 

Heike Schänzel, Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand