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Tourism, Tourists and Society – Richard Sharpley

fourth edition – January 2008

Book, A4 wirebound, approx 368 pages, polypropylene box, library spine, colour illustrations – 20 full-page plates, 116 photographs

ISBN 9781854504449 GBP40.00

In-depth study of the relationship between tourism and the societies which both generate and host tourism and tourists.

Includes effects of social change on the pattern of tourism consumption; motivation for tourism; impact of tourism on host societies; commoditisation and authenticity.

New chapter on tourism the spiritual dimension, which covers religious pilgrimage and dark tourism.

General tourism course textbook and a core text for specialist modules on the sociology/impacts of tourism.

Top of Page
Introduction
The Author
Contents
List of Figures - photographs, maps, exhibits and diagrams
List of Case Studies

Take a look at the Tutors Pack

Introduction by Richard Sharpley

It is impossible to ignore tourism. During the twentieth century it grew into what is widely described as the world's largest industry and, for many destinations, it represents a vital source of income, foreign exchange and employment. More importantly, however, tourism is about people. The annual number of international arrivals reached almost 690 million by the end of the last century this figure has continued to increase into the twenty-first century – by 2006, international arrivals had exceeded 840 million. Moreover, an estimated six times that number participate in domestic tourism each year, figures which represent an enormous, yet temporary, migration of people both across international borders and within their own countries. Thus, tourism is above all a social phenomenon, and an understanding of the social processes involved is of fundamental importance to the study of tourism.

This book approaches tourism from a sociological perspective, considering both tourists themselves and the societies which generate, sustain and receive tourism. Easy to read and to understand, it introduces basic sociological theories and their relevance to tourism before examining the major themes and issues concerning the social nature of tourism. In particular, it explores the relationship between tourism and society from two perspectives: the influence of society on tourism, and the influence of tourism on society. In both cases, reference is made where relevant to sociological theory to explain the various processes and phenomena introduced.

Since this book was first published in 1994, new chapters and have material have been added in subsequent editions as knowledge and understanding of the sociological aspects of tourism have developed. This fourth edition includes a new chapter, exploring the spiritual dimension of tourism consumption in more detail than previously, whilst new themes and issues are introduced within chapters where relevant. Extensive and up-to-date references are used throughout, and each chapter develops arguments which are of relevance to the practical planning and management of tourism.

Whilst every effort has been made to seek permission, if any unknowing use has been made of copyright material, could the owners please contact the author via the publishers.

Richard Sharpley, University of Central Lancashire, December 2007

The Author

Dr. Richard Sharpley is Professor in Tourism Management at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston

The author of a number of tourism books, including Tourism, and Leisure in the Countryside, 5th Edition (Elm Publications, October 2007), and journal articles, he lectures in rural tourism, the sociology of tourism and the role of tourism in international development.

His research interests include rural tourism, the consumption of tourism, and island tourism development with a particular focus on Cyprus.

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Contents

Top of Page

List of Figures - photographs, maps, exhibits and diagrams

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

List of Case Studies

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fourth edition – January 2008

Book, A4 wirebound, ISBN 9781854504449 GBP40.00

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