Issues in Cultural Tourism Studies

Issues in Cultural Tourism Studies examines the phenomenon of cultural tourism in its broadest sense. Drawing on post-modern perspectives, it emphasises the importance of popular cultural tourism; alternative or ethnic tourism; and that of working class heritage and culture. Its main focus is on the role that cultural tourism plays in the globalisation process and the impacts of global development on culture, traditions and identity, especially for regional, ethnic and minority groups. The text outlines the development of cultural tourism, before discussing the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts that it can have. It then provides an analysis of sustainable cultural tourism policies and outlines the importance of cultural politics to the development of cultural tourism. Later chapters discuss the role of cultural tourism in urban regeneration and also explore the organisational framework of European cultural tourism. It highlights the need for greater emphasis to be placed on the consideration of regional, ethnic and minority groups in policy for and in the management of cultural tourism. Individual chapters make specific references to the problems of exclusion and discrimination. Issues in Cultural Tourism Studies combines a rigorous and academic theoretical framework with practical case-studies and real-life examples, initiatives and projects drawn from both the developed and developing world. It argues that the future development and management of cultural tourism relies on a greater degree of mutual understanding between the sectors involved in its development, and further communication, if it is to be sustainable, integrative and democratic.