What is social tourism?

Abstract

This article examines the definitions and implementations of the concept ‘social tourism’ that are in use in Europe today. Examples show that the concept has been implemented in many different ways to suit national contexts and that the justifications and goals of social tourism can differ greatly. The question arises how one can define the boundaries of this versatile and complex concept. This article proposes a model to clarify the interrelationships between the different interpretations: it highlights where common ground exists, but also where contradictions are apparent. The model consists of four main categories: the participation model, the inclusion model, the adaptation model and the stimulation model. The model draws on the historical development of social tourism and the ethical foundations for provision, and it is supported by a range of examples of European practice. Through this sub-categorisation of the concept, it is argued that a ‘scientification’ of the concept of social tourism can take place, so that the term does not lose its academic and political value. This article concludes by proposing a definition for social tourism that can effectively set the concept apart from other forms of tourism with attached social benefits

Current sociological theories and issues in tourism

“…Another topic of concern to social tourism is whether tourism should be a luxury or a human right (McCabe, 2009;Minnaert, Maitland & Miller, 2009;, an ethical issue in which proponents of social tourism seek a more equitable distribution of tourism experiences across all sections of society. Minnaert et al (2011) suggest that social tourism research is still at an early stage and not yet sufficiently critiqued and nuanced. In projecting the future development of that sub-field, they point to the "scientification" that sustainable tourism has experienced: while environmental sustainability in tourism has enjoyed legitimization as a field of inquiry for some time, it remains to be seen whether social justice will attract a critical mass of advocacy-orientated scholars.…”

Tourism as connectedness

“…It will be necessary to understand if and how issues of social connectedness and loneliness materialize, and the roles that tourism may play in generating social relations and status in these contexts. Second, the arguments here have important implications for research on social tourism (see Minnaert, Maitland and Miller 2011). Those who are less mobile are likely to feel excluded, as tourism and the ability to be mobile plays an increasing role in feeling fully part of society, and in one's standing in society.…”

The role of social media, user generated platforms and crowd sourcing in the development of tourism destinations

“…c) Operational efficiency and productivity; among the selected categories underlined in analyses, opera-tional efficiency and productivity was not mentioned more than previous ones. However, because globalization tourism businesses have been integrated with ITCs, high qualified tools like crowdsourcing and interactive channels are needed to maximize the efficiency and productivity of services (Hong, 2009;Minnaert et al, 2011). The use of new technologies could facilitate the need of information and variety of factors that could make further incomes for companies.…”

“…Lau, 2010;Minnaert, 2009;Minnaert et al, 2011;Au et al, 2010;Diedrich and García-Buades, 2009. investigate in the area of the tourism industry through open innovation and other associated tools. The findings also serve as making imagination of the Crowdsourcing and Social media capacity and its opportunity to discover different services in this area of economy.…”