Handbook of Niche Tourism

Research Handbooks in Tourism series

Edited by Marina Novelli, Professor of Tourism and International Development, School of Business and Law, University of Brighton, UK, Joseph M. Cheer, Professor, Center for Tourism Research, Wakayama University, Japan, Claudia Dolezal, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Institute of Tourism, Wine Business and Marketing, IMC University of Applied Sciences, Austria, Adam Jones, Principal Lecturer of Strategy and Enterprise, School of Business and Law, University of Brighton, UK and Claudio Milano, Adjunct Professor, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain

This Handbook provides a critical analysis of the evolution of the contemporary niche tourism phenomenon. By framing discussions around sustainable development thinking, concepts and practical applications, each chapter provides specific reflections on niche tourism trends, successes and/or failures, and the challenges and opportunities that destinations that pursue tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development face around the world.

‘Tourism is now more dynamic than ever across markets and products globally as we move beyond disruptions. While the context has changed, the opportunities are many. This Handbook is not only a vital contribution to our understanding of tourism nuances, but a motivator for renewed creativity and innovation. Whether reading individual chapters or from cover to cover, this is not only a key contribution to our understanding of niche tourism, but also a call to action with relevant forward-focused insights.’
– Hannah Messerli, The World Bank, US

‘This Handbook provides a welcome addition to tourism scholarship. The niche tourism experiences outlined are largely owned and operated locally, which is something that those of us wanting to see more local control over tourism (especially after the “overtourism” crisis pre-pandemic) and more local benefits from tourism, are seeking. This Handbook is thus well placed to inspire other researchers engaging with ideas around the desire for more sustainable and mindful travel post-pandemic.’
– Regina Scheyvens, Massey University, New Zealand

‘The tourism “product” has, in recent decades, become remarkably diversified; destinations offer and tourists now seek an enormous variety of tourism attractions and experiences that collectively comprise an increasingly significant sector of the overall market – niche tourism. This Handbook makes a vital contribution to our knowledge and understanding of this sector. In particular, its critical perspective, necessarily exploring the problems and prospects of numerous forms of niche tourism within the contemporary context of sustainability, makes it essential reading for those with an interest in tourism development.’
– Richard Sharpley, University of Central Lancashire, UK