WHO NEEDS A HOLIDAY? EVALUATING SOCIAL TOURISM

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the stated reasons for a holiday amongst low income families and other groups who experience barriers to participation in tourism. The paper also analyses how socially excluded groups benefit from the opportunity to experience a holiday through financial assistance. The paper presents findings from application data to three national UK charities providing financial support for different groups. The research examines the situational circumstances of these applicants and adds knowledge on motivational needs for leisure travel. The paper concludes for the need for more detailed measures of the benefits of tourism and calls for wider links to be made between leisure travel experience and social policy agendas.