Description: Bringing together scholars from the fields of planning, economics, sociology, management studies and geography, this book examines cross-cutting issues in tourism and recreation with the aim of developing an extended view of leisure time. Focusing mainly on France with comparison to the experience of Northern and Southern European countries and North America, it combines a diverse range of case studies to address issues such as contrasting rural dynamics, changing public policies, sustainable development imperatives, evolving user behaviour and increasingly diverse recreation activities and stakeholder organization.
Review Quotes: 'This book offers a new refreshing view on sustainable regional development by re-associating nature-based leisure activities and tourism. The collection of new tools and solutions are characterised by a unique focus on mainly European cases and introduces the reader to the benefits of truly integrative planning across disciplines.' Ulrike Pröbstl-Haider, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria 'This is an indispensable handbook for anyone concerned with tourism development at regional and national levels. It fully takes into account the non-market historical, geographic, natural, psychological, and other factors driving tourist economies. The case histories detail the ways management differences at the level of the resort, natural attraction, or heritage site are geared to global flows of tourists and capital. It is admirable for its integrated approach, scope and clarity.' Dean MacCannell, University of California, Davis, USA