10 August 2009
Researcher highlights social benefits of a break - listen to interview
Important new paper published in prestigious scientific journal

Listen to a brief interview with Dr Minneart where she discusses social tourism and her collaboration with the Family Holiday Association - 

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Dr Lynn Minnaert, University of Westminster writes -

For a longer synopsis of the paper click here to download a pdf copy.

 

Although everyone involved in social tourism is aware of the benefits a holiday can bring to low-income or socially excluded people, there was so far little research evidence that confirmed this. In February 2009 though, Dr Lynn Minnaert, Prof Robert Maitland and Dr Graham Miller, of the University of Westminster and the University of Surrey published an article in the prestigious journal “Annals of Tourism Research” that puts social tourism well and truly on the academic map.

The study, carried out with support of the Family Holiday Association, highlights that social tourism can bring remarkable benefits to the family and personal life of the participants.

•    Many families reported they felt closer after the holiday, and continued doing more things together. The holiday, as a break from the daily stresses and worries, often gave the family the opportunity to spend quality time together and rediscover each other.

•    Holidays were also shown to potentially increase confidence. On holiday little problems may arise, and away from their familiar environments and support networks, the participants often had to get the problem solved themselves. These little challenges were shown to often be a base of renewed confidence after the holiday.

•    Holidays can also increase social networks – particularly important for those who feel isolated and excluded. Particularly participants to group holidays commented that they had met new friends on holiday.

•    Holidays were clearly linked to improvements in mental health and well-being. This feeling persisted until long after the holiday in many cases.

•    Finally, holidays can also improve the outlook on life: it shows that even in difficult circumstances, good things can happen. This may lead to renewed courage and a more pro-active attitude to life. Small changes can be the basis of bigger improvements in the daily lives of the participants: some started a course after the holiday, gave up smoking or anti-depressants, started visiting their social support organisation more often or changed jobs.

It is important to point out here that social tourism is no panacea: it does not solve all problems automatically. To achieve the best results, the holiday needs to be adequately supported by the social support organisation, and well-tailored to the needs and requirements of the participants. Still, this study shows that social tourism, for a relatively small investment in terms of time and money, can achieve a range of benefits for the participants that outlast the duration of the holiday itself.

 

For a longer synopsis of the paper click here to download a pdf copy.  If you want to obtain a copy of the full paper see details below or contact the Lynn Minnaert directly.

 

For full research results please refer to: MINNAERT, L., MAITLAND, R. & MILLER, G. (2009), “Tourism and social policy – The value of social tourism”, in: “Annals of Tourism Research”, Vol. 36, nº 2, 316-334