Social tourism for low-income groups: benefits in a UK and Irish context.

Abstract

This chapter provides an analysis of social tourism provision for low-income groups, focusing on the social and economic benefits of such provision. It begins by defining social tourism and discusses issues in relation to holiday participation, poverty and social exclusion. A number of examples of social tourism provision from across Europe are also presented. The chapter continues with a presentation of the benefits of social tourism based on two empirical qualitative studies from Ireland and the UK. The studies were carried out independently, but have produced largely comparable findings, enforcing their validity and strengthening the argument for the introduction of social tourism policies and practices in each country, respectively. The chapter concludes by presenting the potential relevance of social tourism on a social, economic and policy level.

Social Tourism Support in the Czech Republic

“…According to Minnaert et al (2010), everybody's right to travel is grounded in many UN documents and in UNWTO documents. Minnaert et al (2010) see social tourism as a means of democratization and equalization among different population groups that also brings positive economic benefits. But there are also other effects, above all social effects.…”

“…Although it is difficult to quantify such a support, there are studies that prove its benefits, specifically in Great Britain and Ireland (e.g. Minnaert et al, 2010;McCabe, Joldersma, & Li, 2010). Neal, Sirgy, and Usyal (1999) produced a model that shows satisfaction with travel experience which is connected to a person's good feelings about the time spent, with a subsequent positive influence on the person's overall satisfaction levels.…”

“…Its philosophy is based on the idea that holidays help to strengthen family relationships, improve the health of family members and increase their overall satisfaction, with a subsequent positive impact on the general society. The FHA was established in 1975 and focuses on providing package tours (Minnaert et al, 2010). This organization is not financially supported by the state.…”

Social tourism and self-efficacy

“…Minnaert et al, 2009), self-esteem (e.g. Minnaert, Stacey, Quinn, & Griffin, 2010), quality of life and subjective well-being (SWB) (e.g. McCabe & Johnson, 2013), can lead to changes in attitudes and behaviours, which could be linked to wider societal benefits.…”

“…These 3 two constructs have not previously been studied within the context of tourism. However, SE is conceptually linked to constructs that have been found to be positively influenced by tourism participation, such as self-esteem (Minnaert et al, 2010) and SWB (McCabe & Johnson, 2013).…”