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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 July 2021

Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Bobbie Chew Bigby and Adam Doering

This article considers the possibilities of and barriers to socialising tourism after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Such an approach allows us to transform…

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Abstract

Purpose

This article considers the possibilities of and barriers to socialising tourism after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Such an approach allows us to transform tourism and thereby evolve it to be of wider benefit and less damaging to societies and ecologies than has been the case under the corporatised model of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual analysis draws on the theorisation of “tourism as a social force” and the new concept of “socialising tourism”. Using critical tourism approaches, it seeks to identify the dynamics that are evident in order to assess the possibilities for socialising tourism for social and ecological justice. It employs an Indigenous perspective that the past, present and future are interconnected in its consideration of tourism futures.

Findings

COVID-19 has fundamentally disrupted tourism, travel and affiliated industries. In dealing with the crisis, borders have been shut, lockdowns imposed and international tourism curtailed. The pandemic foregrounded the renewal of social bonds and social capacities as governments acted to prevent economic and social devastation. This disruption of normality has inspired some to envision radical transformations in tourism to address the injustices and unsustainability of tourism. Others remain sceptical of the likelihood of transformation. Indeed, phenomena such as vaccine privilege and vaccine tourism are indicators that transformations must be enabled. The authors look to New Zealand examples as hopeful indications of the ways in which tourism might be transformed for social and ecological justice.

Practical implications

This conceptualisation could guide the industry to better stakeholder relations and sustainability.

Social implications

Socialising tourism offers a fruitful pathway to rethinking tourism through a reorientation of the social relations it fosters and thereby transforming its social impacts for the better.

Originality/value

This work engages with the novel concept of “socialising tourism”. In connecting this new theory to the older theory of “tourism as a social force”, this paper considers how COVID-19 has offered a possible transformative moment to enable more just and sustainable tourism futures.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2020

Freya Higgins Desbiolles

This paper aims to consider growing calls for diversity and inclusion in tourism scholarship, practices and operations. It briefly overviews evolution in the thinking on diversity…

1071

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to consider growing calls for diversity and inclusion in tourism scholarship, practices and operations. It briefly overviews evolution in the thinking on diversity in tourism and considers issues arising for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on theories of intersectionality and decolonial thinking, this paper offers a review of the evolution of thinking on diversity in tourism.

Findings

Diversity is essential to the future of tourism to build more just, equitable and sustainable futures.

Research limitations/implications

The tourism academy and the tourism industry must engage in all forms of diversity to respond to a rapidly changing world. Engagement with diversity also allows for innovative and creative thinking that will be essential for a just and sustainable future.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an under-studied development in tourism: transitions to diversity. It reviews concepts emerging in tourism scholarship, including intersectionality and decolonial thinking. These are essential tools for understanding diversity in tourism and developing just and sustainable futures.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 75 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Freya Higgins-Desbiolles

This viewpoint engages with Jem Bendell’s deep adaptation framework which was developed as a response to the threat of collapse. Proponents of deep adaptation argue that societal…

1465

Abstract

Purpose

This viewpoint engages with Jem Bendell’s deep adaptation framework which was developed as a response to the threat of collapse. Proponents of deep adaptation argue that societal collapse is either likely, inevitable or already underway. The deep adaptation framework is employed as a tool to contemplate the necessary adaptation of tourism development and planning in a context of polycrisis leading to collapse.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual viewpoint article that is built on deductive analysis of recent events, reports and scientific findings. It employs the deep adaptation framework to analyse possible alternative tourism futures in the face of the threat of collapse.

Findings

Bendell’s framework included four aspects of response to the recognition of the threat of collapse: resilience, relinquishment, restoration and reconciliation. In this work, the deep adaptation framework is employed to analyse what a deep adaptation approach to tourism might offer for efforts in securing optimal social and ecological outcomes. Findings highlight damaging activities that we should relinquish, more resilient approaches that communities could encourage and restorative practices such as rewilding and pluriversal economies as protective measures. This work recommends a precautionary approach to transform tourism education, research and practice in order to secure better tourism futures.

Originality/value

This work is novel in engaging with the threat of future collapse and in using the deep adaptation framework to consider alternative tourism futures.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2024

Trudie Walters and Freya Higgins-Desbiolles

Attending academic conferences is important for career progression. However, conferences can be experienced as exclusionary by historically marginalised groups. Non-attendance…

Abstract

Purpose

Attending academic conferences is important for career progression. However, conferences can be experienced as exclusionary by historically marginalised groups. Non-attendance through exclusionary event design thus has far-reaching consequences, which is a social and structural justice issue. This research therefore aims to shine a light on event design in academic conferences, and its relationship to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Design/methodology/approach

Through empirical study, we address the question “Are academic conferences communicating a commitment to DEI for delegates from historically marginalised groups, and if so, how?”. Using a content protocol (Loh et al., 2022) and signalling theory (Bradley et al., 2023), we analyse the publicly available conference materials of 70 tourism, leisure, events and hospitality academic conferences planned or convened between 2023 and 2025 to assess DEI discourses and practices for evidence of conference design that fosters inclusivity, belongingness and therefore addresses justice.

Findings

References to one or more elements of DEI were found in the discourses of around one quarter of the conferences. However, for BIPOC [1], precarious academics, those from the LGBTQIA+ or disability communities, those with caring responsibilities, those on low or no incomes or with visa requirements, and to a large degree still for women, there were few signs within conference design practices that could be construed as conveying a welcoming culture. We therefore argue that academic conferences within the fields of tourism, leisure, events and hospitality are perpetuating inequity, exclusion and injustice through failing to give full consideration to whom their event design practices are inviting to participate. This is an opportunity lost, and we provide a checklist for conference organisers to help them communicate that historically marginalised academics are welcome and belong at their event.

Originality/value

We believe this is the first study to take a DEI lens to an examination of academic conferences, and apply a content protocol and signalling theory as analytic tools in the process.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2013

Raynald Harvey Lemelin, Kyle Powys Whyte, Kelsey Johansen, Freya Higgins Desbiolles, Christopher Wilson and Steve Hemming

The purpose of this paper is to examine the omission of Indigenous narratives in battlefields and sites of conflicts while also highlighting how certain battlefields and sites of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the omission of Indigenous narratives in battlefields and sites of conflicts while also highlighting how certain battlefields and sites of conflicts have attempted to address dissonant heritage by diversifying interpretation strategies and implementing elements of collaborative management approaches, thereby addressing Indigenous erasure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a content analysis, field studies and case studies to examine dissonant heritage in warfare tourism sites involving Indigenous peoples in Australia and North America.

Findings

The content analysis reveals that aboriginal erasure is still prevalent within the literature on warfare and battlefield tourism. However, the case studies suggest that dissonant heritage in warfare tourism is being addressed through collaborative management strategies and culturally sensitive interpretation strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The content analysis is limited to tourism journals. The case studies highlight sites that are using adaptive management and integrating Indigenous peoples.

Practical implications

The study of dissonant heritage and warfare tourism, while relatively young, is beginning to address aboriginal erasure and cultural dissonance; this study is a contribution to this area of research.

Social implications

Addressing the impacts of aboriginal erasure and heritage dissonance in colonial settings heals the hurts of the past, while empowering communities. It also provides Indigenous communities with opportunities to diversify current tourism products.

Originality/value

This is a collaborative international paper involving Indigenous and non‐Indigenous scholars from Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Abstract

Details

The Disabled Tourist: Navigating an Ableist Tourism World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-829-4

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Rodanthi Tzanelli

Abstract

Details

The New Spirit of Hospitality
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-161-5

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 21 April 2023

Peter E. Tarlow

Abstract

Details

Challenges to US and Mexican Police and Tourism Stability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-405-5

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 24 June 2024

Abstract

Details

Battlefield Tourism
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-991-5

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 23 September 2022

Abstract

Details

Tourism Through Troubled Times
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-311-9

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