Special Interest Tourism

Special interest tourism is one of the fastest growing segments within the tourism industry. A more mature travelling public is increasingly seeking experiences which satisfy a whole spectrum of interests. Accordingly, there is a need for new tourism products, services and experiences that cater to these markets. Special interest tourism incorporates various sectors such as regional, urban, community, environmental, cruise, heritage, cultural, sex and educational tourism, all of which are discussed in this new text.Special interest tourism products operate within a broad industry framework affecting the social, political, environmental and economic context of the tourism region and tourist market. The authors discuss special interest tourism strategies, policies and initiatives introduced in Australia and internationally. The text combines theory and industry applications to illustrate the diversity of tourism product and development as it relates to special interest tourism.