Social Tourism in Europe

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.

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 Universite Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. Her research focuses mainly on cultural tourism, urban ethnic and slum tourism as well as social tourism.