Rethinking Cultural Tourism

Reviews / Votes

'Richards's work and way of thinking is very interdisciplinary, and while this book is intended for tourism scholars and practitioners, I believe this book also offers useful insights for cultural policy scholars, urban planners, sociologists, and geographers. Entrepreneurs and policymakers will also benefit from this work, because it provides key practical suggestions for building on existing theoretical under-pinnings. . . Overall, the book was enjoyable to read, and the examples highlight Richards's impact on the study of cultural tourism.' -- Nicholas Wise, 2023 Urban Affairs Association 'This work is among the most articulate and persuasive in bringing together a number of concepts and threads to chart a new path. Richards is successful in suggesting and illustrating an approach that embraces many of the current ideas that are floating around in the literature and that, to my knowledge, have not previously been brought together and linked in a simple, readily understandable, logical fashion. This is a considerable achievement, and it makes the book important reading for those interested in tourism, as well as those concerned about other fields that engage with tourism, such as heritage.' -- Geoffrey Wall, Journal of Heritage Tourism 'Professor Greg Richards is the influential founder of the field of cultural tourism studies and his latest book builds on his 30 years of research and experience, as well as offering fresh and thought-provoking insights. In addition to a comprehensive and reflective synthesis of previous works on the subject, the book explores new, dynamic and holistic models of cultural tourism practices that challenge existing approaches. The work has important implications for experience design, place-making and cultural tourism journey creation today and into the future.' -- Melanie Smith, Budapest Metropolitan University, Hungary 'Professor Richards has skillfully drawn upon his 30 years of scholarship to reflect on and reconceptualize the past, present and future of the important cultural tourism phenomenon. This readable and thought-provoking volume epitomizes the Rethinking series by offering readers deep and sustained reflections from the leading authority in the field. Having led the efforts of ATLAS to define the scope and practice of cultural tourism, the author now offers us fresh context and redefinition. Essential reading for scholars, practitioners and students.' -- Brian King, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 'In this work, Greg Richards, the leading exponent of cultural tourism studies, brings together and integrates his many years of research and practical experience in the field. In contrast to the prevailing perception of mass tourists as passive consumers of proffered attractions, Richards stresses the active co-creation of cultural products, sites and events between cultural entrepreneurs and active visitors. The book is rich in concrete examples and will be an attractive source for both students of tourism and tourist practitioners.' -- Erik Cohen, Emeritus Professor, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel