The Associational Tourism Economy

This timely and innovative book provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of the associational tourism economy, exploring the collaborative nature of tourism as an interconnected system, with a focus on tourism clusters, networks and ecosystems. When tourists travel, they interact with a complex web of businesses, organisations, and individuals who can act independently or with a greater or lesser level of collaboration among themselves. This interdependence emphasises that the associational tourism economy is not merely about the mobility of people but also concerns interconnected socio-economic systems that shape where and why people travel. Replete with illuminating tables and diagrams, this volume lays a foundation for understanding the complex, associational nature of the tourism economy from both business and policy perspectives. An extensive overview of the evolution of theoretical concepts of associational economics provides the framework for a clear breakdown of the intricate collaborative, competitive, and interpersonal relations that make up the economics of tourism, with insights into how these relations can be built and fostered to promote sustainable tourism and boost local economies. This volume will be of pivotal interest to students, scholars and academics of tourism and hospitality research, tourism planning and development, tourism management, and tourism geography.