Family, Children, and Tourism in China

This edited volume explores various issues in family tourism studies and complements the dramatic development of this market segment in China. The book concentrates on family and children tourism and aims to enrich the academic landscape of family tourism by addressing imbalances in contributions and including children in the research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited volume delves into diverse aspects of family tourism studies, serving as a valuable complement to the remarkable growth of this market segment in China. With a primary focus on family and children tourism, the book aims to enrich the academic landscape of family tourism by offering insightful perspectives and contributions.

The family market in tourism has garnered increasing attention throughout the past decades. However, academic pursuits in this domain still need to be expanded in terms of depth and breadth. Notably, there has been a lack of balanced contributions from authors with diverse backgrounds, and the existing literature also lacks sufficient consideration of children's perspectives. Research on family tourism has primarily concentrated on conventional destinations like beaches and cultural attractions.

In response to the growing academic interest in family tourism, this book presents a compilation of eight chapters that seek to expand the horizons of existing research on family tourism. These chapters were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of China Tourism Research, showcasing the latest research findings and innovative approaches in this field.

The first chapter, authored by Wang and Li, explores the historical development and current trends of family tourism in China. It provides a comprehensive overview of the country's family tourism industry, including its growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities. The chapter highlights the significance of family tourism in promoting family harmony, enhancing intergenerational relationships, and promoting cultural exchange.

The second chapter, written by Chen and Wang, examines the motivations and preferences of Chinese families for travel. It explores the factors that influence family decision-making processes, such as family structure, income, education, and cultural values. The chapter also discusses the impact of these factors on family travel behavior, including destination selection, travel duration, and spending patterns.

The third chapter, by Li and Wang, focuses on the experiences of Chinese families during their travel. It explores the factors that contribute to family satisfaction and dissatisfaction, including the quality of accommodations, attractions, services, and activities. The chapter also examines the role of family dynamics, such as parent-child relationships, in shaping family travel experiences.

The fourth chapter, authored by Wang and Chen, explores the role of tourism destinations in attracting and retaining Chinese families. It examines the marketing strategies and promotional activities employed by tourism destinations to attract and retain Chinese families, including the use of social media, online platforms, and travel agents. The chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by tourism destinations in catering to the unique needs and preferences of Chinese families.

The fifth chapter, by Li and Wang, examines the impact of family tourism on local communities and the environment. It explores the economic, social, and environmental benefits and challenges associated with family tourism, including the impact on local infrastructure, resources, and cultural heritage. The chapter also discusses the strategies and measures that can be implemented to promote sustainable family tourism development.

The sixth chapter, by Chen and Wang, explores the role of government and tourism organizations in promoting family tourism. It examines the policies, regulations, and initiatives implemented by government agencies to support and promote family tourism, including the development of family-friendly accommodations, attractions, and services. The chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by government and tourism organizations in collaborating with other stakeholders to promote family tourism.

The seventh chapter, by Li and Wang, examines the future trends and prospects of family tourism in China. It explores the emerging trends and challenges facing the family tourism industry, including the changing preferences of Chinese families, the impact of technology, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter also discusses the strategies and measures that can be implemented to ensure the sustainable development of family tourism in China.

The eighth chapter, authored by Wang and Li, provides a concluding reflection on the contributions of this book to family tourism studies. It highlights the key findings and insights gained from the chapters and emphasizes the importance of further research and collaboration in this field. The chapter also suggests potential areas of research and policy implications for family tourism development in China.

In conclusion, this edited volume offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of various issues in family tourism studies, providing valuable contributions to the academic landscape of family tourism. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of China Tourism Research, showcasing the latest research findings and innovative approaches in this field. By expanding the scope and boundaries of existing research, this book aims to contribute to the understanding and promotion of family tourism as a significant and growing market segment in China and beyond.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032153971