Children in Tourism Communities

Book excerpt: 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.