Despite the geometric expansion of tourism knowledge, some areas have remained stubbornly underdeveloped and a full or comprehensive consideration of the philosophical issues of tourism represents one such significant knowledge gap. A key aim of this book therefore is to provide an initial mapping of, and fresh insights into this territory. In doing so it discusses key philosophical questions in the field such as What is tourism? Who is a tourist? What is wisdom? What is it to know something? What is the nature of reality? Why are some destinations considered beautiful? Why is tourism desirable? What is good and bad tourism? What are desirable ends? These and similar topics are addressed this book under the headings of truth, beauty and virtue.

How can we think more deeply about our travels? This was the question that inspired Emily Thomas' journey into the philosophy of travel. Part philosophical ramble, part travelogue, The Meaning of Travel begins in the Age of Discovery, when philosophers first started taking travel seriously. It meanders forward to consider Montaigne on otherness, John Locke on cannibals, and Henry Thoreau on wilderness. On our travels with Thomas, we discover the dark side of maps, how the philosophy of space fuelled mountain tourism, and why you should wash underwear in woodland cabins... We also confront profound issues, such as the ethics of 'doom tourism' (travel to 'doomed' glaciers and coral reefs), and the effect of space travel on human significance in a leviathan universe. The first ever exploration of the places where history and philosophy meet, this book will reshape your understanding of travel.

Drawing upon a variety of important philosophical traditions, this book develops an original perspective on the relations between ethical, economic and aesthetic values in a tourism context. It considers the ethical/political issues arising in many areas of tourism development, including: the profound cultural and environmental impacts on tourist destinations the reciprocity (or lack of) in host-guest relations the (un)fair distribution of benefits and revenues the moral implications of issues such as sex tourism, staged authenticity and travel to oppressive regimes. The book concludes with a detailed investigation of the potential and pitfalls of ecotourism, sustainable tourism and community-based tourism, as examples of what is sometimes termed 'ethical tourism.' Until now, the ethical issues that surround tourism development have received little academic attention. Explaining philosophical arguments without the use of excessive jargon, this fascinating book interweaves theory and practice, aided by the use of text boxes to explain key terms in ethics, politics, and tourism development, and drawing on contemporary case studies from South Africa, Mexico, Zambia, Honduras, Ethiopia and Madagascar.

This book introduces readers to philosophies of hospitality and tourism. It provides insights into classic philosophical concepts and explains how these can inform the actions of tourism stakeholders, practitioners, hosts and tourists. The volume explores four main areas: the nexus of philosophy with tourism and hospitality; the philosophy of giving in hospitality and tourism; the receiving-end, such as emotional tourist experiences, happiness and overtourism, including the notion of ‘gluttony’; and philosophical issues related to tourism development, such as the spirit of places and thanatourism. The discussion of philanthropy within the context of tourism is a strength of the book and will be important in a post-Covid-19 tourism industry. The book will be of interest to students, researchers and practitioners in tourism and hospitality.

The modern-day world faces a hostile climate, depleted resources and the destruction of habitats. The dream that growth will lead to a materialistic utopia is left unfulfilled by a lack of ecological and economic capacity. The only choice is to find alternatives to increased growth, transform the structures and institutions currently shaping the world, change lifestyles and articulate a more credible vision for the future and lasting prosperity. As a reaction to the problems accrued by capitalism, new development approaches such as the concept of degrowth have evolved. Degrowth in Tourism explores newly-emerging development and philosophical approachesthat provide more equity for host communities and offer a low-carbon future by looking at alternatives to the classic models of development and applying the concept of degrowth in a tourism context. Proposing that we need to shift tourism research from models which prioritize commodified tourism experiences to those that offer alternative decommodified ones this book: Provides topical analysis and illustrates the key themes of degrowth; Discusses the relationship between tourism and degrowth from both a historic perspective and through contemporary patterns of activity; Includes international examples and case studies to translate theory into practical new approaches. A comprehensive review of the subject, this book will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners within tourism, development, environment and economics, as well as those specifically studying degrowth.

How do we understand human-nature relationships in tourism, or determine the consequences of these relationships to be "good," "bad," "right," "wrong," "fair," or "just"? What theoretical and philosophical perspectives can usefully orient us in the production and consumption of tourism towards living and enacting the "good life" with the more-than-human world? This book addresses such questions by investigating relationships between nature and morality in tourism contexts. Recognizing that morality, much like nature, is embedded in histories and landscapes of power, the book engages with diverse theoretical and philosophical perspectives to critically review, appraise, and advance dialogue on the moral dimensions of natures. Contributing authors explore the very foundations of how we make sense of nature in tourism and leisure contexts—and how we might make sense of it differently. The book will be essential reading for researchers, students, and practitioners grappling with questions about the moral values, frameworks, or practices best suited to mobilizing tourism natures. What will the future of tourism hold in terms of sustainability, justice, resilience, health, and well-being?

Medical and health tourism is a significant area of growth in the export of related services. This text addresses the substantial political, philosophical and ethical issues that arise out of these transnational practices.