Positive Tourism Routledge Advances in Tourism - Evidence-Based

In this review of Positive Tourism Routledge Advances in Tourism the authors present a clear call to rethink travel through the lens of well-being. Aimed at scholars, policy makers and practitioners in hospitality and destination management, the book's single biggest reason to buy is its focus on linking tourism to concepts from positive psychology to explain optimal tourist experiences, host community flourishing and worker thriving. The tone is academic but accessible, and the volume gathers original international research that advances a coherent, research-driven case for a more constructive, human-centred approach to tourism.

Key Features

• Theoretical grounding: Draws explicitly on positive psychology to frame what makes tourism contribute to life satisfaction and human fulfilment.
• Applied focus: Explores how research findings can inform destination management, community well-being and industry practices.
• Original research: Contains international empirical studies that develop knowledge about optimal tourist experiences and enabling conditions.
• Multi-stakeholder view: Considers impacts on tourists, host communities and tourism workers, creating a rounded perspective on benefits and trade-offs.
• Interdisciplinary approach: Bridges psychology, sociology and tourism studies to suggest policies and practices supportive of flourishing.

Who It's For

This book is well suited to academics researching tourism, students in postgraduate tourism and hospitality programs, and policy makers interested in designing destinations that promote community well-being. Practitioners in destination management and tourism development will find evidence-based ideas to inform strategy and programme design.

Readers seeking a light consumer travel guide or a how-to handbook for hospitality operations should look elsewhere; the volume is research-led and intended to build theory and policy rather than provide step-by-step operational checklists.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a coherent research-driven framework linking tourism to human fulfilment and well-being.
• Includes international empirical studies that enhance the empirical base for positive tourism concepts.
• Addresses multiple stakeholders, which helps translate ideas into policy-relevant recommendations.

Cons

• The academic tone and emphasis on theory may be dense for readers seeking practical, operational guidance for everyday hospitality tasks.

Specifications

Title	Positive Tourism (Routledge Advances in Tourism)
Authors / Editors	Sebastian Filep, Jennifer Laing, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Subject	Tourism, positive psychology, well-being
Approach	Original international research studies and theoretical synthesis
Intended audience	Academics, policy makers, tourism practitioners

Our Verdict

Positive Tourism is a valuable, research-grounded contribution that reframes tourism through the lens of well-being. It is a good buy for scholars and decision makers seeking evidence-based ideas to guide destination and community policy; it offers strong conceptual payoff, though those wanting practical checklists may find it less immediately actionable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for undergraduate students?
It is most useful for postgraduate students and researchers because of its academic tone and emphasis on original studies.

Does the book include practical recommendations for destinations?
Yes, it discusses policy-relevant implications, but the focus remains on theory and research rather than step-by-step operational guides.

Who are the editors and why do they matter?
The editors are Sebastian Filep, Jennifer Laing and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, whose backgrounds link tourism studies with positive psychology and lend credibility to the book's wellbeing focus.