The Routledge Handbook of Festivals

Festivals have grown in importance for tourism, branding, and economic development, and this handbook provides a comprehensive evaluation of the most current research, debates, and controversies surrounding them. It is divided into nine sections that cover a wide range of theories, concepts, and contexts, and features a variety of disciplinary, cultural, and national perspectives from an international team of authors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 452 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In recent years, the global proliferation of festivals has been driven by their growing recognition for their significance in tourism, branding, and economic development. Festivals serve diverse purposes in society, ranging from fostering positive economic impacts to providing a competitive edge for destinations or addressing social objectives. Research on festivals has emerged across various disciplines, resulting in a fragmented body of knowledge. This handbook aims to consolidate this expertise into a single volume, presenting a comprehensive evaluation of the most current research, debates, and controversies surrounding festivals.

The handbook is organized into nine sections, covering a wide range of theories, concepts, and contexts, including sustainability, festival marketing and management, the strategic use of festivals, and their future. Drawing from a diverse range of disciplinary, cultural, and national perspectives, an international team of authors has contributed to this book. It will serve as an invaluable resource for students and researchers in event management, as well as scholars in anthropology, sociology, geography, marketing, management, psychology, and economics.

By examining festivals from various angles, this handbook provides a comprehensive understanding of their roles and impacts in contemporary society. It sheds light on the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of festivals, exploring how they contribute to local economies, promote cultural exchange, and engage communities. The book also examines the challenges and opportunities associated with festival management, including logistics, sustainability, audience engagement, and risk management.

Furthermore, the handbook explores the strategic use of festivals as tools for promoting tourism, branding, and economic development. It discusses the role of festivals in attracting visitors, generating revenue, and creating a positive image for destinations. The book also examines the impact of festivals on local businesses, communities, and the wider society, highlighting the potential for social and cultural empowerment.

In conclusion, this handbook offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on festivals, providing valuable insights for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of event management and beyond. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and significance of festivals in today's world.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338996