Whilst tourists' fascination with visiting sites associated with death and human tragedy has received considerable academic and media attention, the scholarly literature on socalled 'dark' or thanatourism remains fragmented. Subsequently, this thesis draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary literature and in depth, qualitative fieldwork to provide insights into thanatourism experience. The research was conducted in three phases. During the first phase I developed a thanatourism framework which recognises thanatourism as a complex and variegated concept. The framework was used as a conceptual starting point through which I identified a range of thanatourism sites at which to conduct my fieldwork. Thanatourist experiences are exceptionally personal and emotional and thus required a 'hot approach' to research in order to reach the deep wells of tourist emotion. In the second and third phases I involved nine thanatourists in an iterative series of creative conversations before, during and after visits to various sites. Adopting a reflexive approach and using the participants' own photographs I focus on understanding the motivations and the emotional perceptions of those who visit thanatourist sites. Also, using autoethnography enabled me to vividly reconstruct my experiences, enriching the study and providing valuable insights into my own motivations and emotions. The research is underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm, and I use a bricolage of fieldwork and writing methods. Co-constructing the participants' narratives strengthens the reflexivity and ensures that the researcher's voice is not privileged, and thus the voices of the participants are heard alongside mine. Finally, the accounts of the thanatourists are presented creatively through narrative, poem and play. Adopting this interesting and compelling way to present material allowed me to be playful in my fieldwork and to present emotionally evocative stories of thanatourism experience through a chorus of voices. The study illustrates that thanatourism experiences are complex and deeply meaningful for the individuals who choose to embark on them.

There has been an ongoing debate regarding the r.elationship between spa tourism and health tourism among industry professionals and researchers from various disciplines. In general, spa tourism is viewed as a sub-segment of the broader category of 'health tourism'. Health tourism on a global scale is widely viewed as a broad segment of the tourism industry. Given the growing interest worldwide in spas, the outlook for spa tourism is very promising; there is considerable scope for future research in the spa industry as shown by the dearth of the literature available. However, there is a sense of uncertainty regarding the classification of this segment that makes forecasting problematic. The literature findings were drawn together to identify key issues in order to establish a platform for the primary research data collection. As a consequence of examining the literature review, key issues were identified relating to the nature and significance of spa tourism (aim 1): such as the debate surrounding the classification of spas, and ultimately the definition of spas; the significance of spas to health tourism and to tourism as a whole, in particular the significance of spas in an ever increasingly health-conscious society. Issues relating to the characteristics of spa goers were identified (aim 2), which are examined within the destination choice process (aim 3): such as reasons behind the visit to a spa; factors affecting the choice of one spa destination over another; and the spa holiday experience and feedbacks. In collecting the primary data, a qualitative study was conducted, with the aim to clarify and investigate the apparent gaps and key issues in the literature. This was undertaken to provide a greater level of insight into the field of spa tourism and to answer the research aims. This required developing a framework that was divided into three dimensions based on the key issues raised in the literature, and in relation to the destination facility choice process. This PhD study demonstrated how these three dimensions were used as a guide for the questions asked in the research interviews. These dimensions helped to provide a structured analysis of the results and established the initial platfonn for the classification of spa goers (aim 4). Spa goers' needs, beliefs, behaviours, what makes them participate in a spa-related tourism, as well as spa managers' and experts' perceptions were established. Semi-structured interviews were the most appropriate primary research tools, as the opportunity for tourists and managers to put forward their perspective were available. Given the relatively small number of interviews, the non-use of computer programs were quite justifiable; especially when adopting an interpretive approach and the desire to have the flexibility of human understanding and explanation of the material. To aid the data analysis, coding was used as an appropriate analytical tool that resulted in developing 10 types of spa goers based on the three dimensional framework. The emergence of these types offered further insight into whether they could be simplified into more broad types of spa goers by combining their shared interests. The results were further funnelled and a 4 type broad typology of spa goers was constructed. The findings of the rescarch~were consistent with many of the issucs raised in the literature review findings. This research study has added a ~iunificant amount of new infom1ation to contribute to the e:<i~ting knowl~dge base. Tl~e broad typology offcrs significant advancements from eXlstmg typologies in the field. Its significance lies in its consideration of the spa destination choice process as a whole, rather than a heavy emphasis being placed merely on the reasons people visit spas, which has dominated many of the previous spa typologies. During the qualitative research crucial issues emerged in relation to the spa destination choice process, the importance of understanding spa goers' cultural backgrounds and traditions proved to be of ureat significange. Some of the infonnants expressed the need for particular facilities''and treatments to be available to them, so that the specific needs of their cultural backgrounds could be met. It is important for spas to be aware of this cultural diversity in an ever increasing globalisation of the world, if they are to retain market strength, and increase their customer base. The current study made a contribution towards fillipg the gaps in existing spa tourism literature. It has added valuable infonnation to that which we already know, and allows for an evaluation to be made of the overall process. Any issues which proved to be outside the scope of this study .would eventually provide insight into some potential avenues future research could take. There is considerable scope for future research in the spa industry as shown by the dearth of the literature available. Further research should be encouraged into the specific needs of different types of spa goers.

No description available.

Since the end of WWII, the establishment of the very first European town twinning partnerships between the UK and Germany has been followed by thousands of twinning partnerships and millions of citizens travelling across Europe taking part in professional, student, family, project, sport or cultural twinning exchanges. However, surprisingly little is known about the history and contemporary practices of town twinning. Although of great relevance to current debates about European identity creation, global cultures, neoliberalism and entrepreneurial cities, politics of scale and transnational urban networks, only very few geographers have seriously investigated this phenomenon. The aim of this thesis is therefore to analyse the scope of contemporary town twinning practices against the background of the international municipal movement in Europe and to investigate this multi-faceted phenomenon, its organisation, procedures and changing aims from a British-German twinning perspective. More than 60 years after its initiation as a movement for reconciliation and international understanding in Europe, how do current town twinning practices reflect the challenges of a globalised world? The thesis is based on rich empirical research in Bristol, Cardiff, Loughborough, St.Helens, and Hannover, Schwäbisch Hall, and Stuttgart (constituting four British- German town twinning partnerships between them), including interviews with volunteers and professionals involved in town twinning, archival research and participant observation. Themes covered extensively are the usages and impacts of town twinning activities for the creation of European awareness among citizens, and for the promotion of urban competitiveness and cooperation through municipal networking. Since town twinning has developed over the years without a universal definition or guidelines, most municipalities have generated their very own way of doing town twinning, often but not always characterised by dichotomies, such as small towns vs. big cities, citizens vs. local authorities, citizens‟ meetings vs. urban projects, cultural vs. economic objectives, etc. A key parameter for the direction of a twinning partnership is individuals, e.g. mayors or committed citizens, who leave their mark on the partnership's aims, contents, and/or organisation. Hence, the question if town twinning is changing or adapting its aims for a globalised world has to be answered by every municipality individually. However, a general development towards a 'modern' form of town twinning that focuses on economic benefits and short-term inter-municipal projects at the expense of 'traditional' cultural twinning has not been observed. Rather in an increasing number of municipalities, the former complements the latter in a 'contemporary' form of town twinning. This thesis has introduced the 'dark horse' town twinning into the geographical debate, uncovering its history, analysing its current practices, and relating it to relevant social, cultural, urban and political geographical discourses.

No description available.

This thesis aims to understand the ways in which migrant people's belonging is constituted in the contemporary transnationalised world. Through an investigation, based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, of Taiwanese expatriates' everyday lives in the Yangtze River Delta, China, this research discerns the ways in which migrant belonging is grounded and constituted as part of their border-crossing practices. My analysis considers Taiwanese expatriates' practices of belonging as outcomes shaped by their interactions in and with place. Therefore, it also contributes to a geographic understanding of migrant belonging. In particular, I foreground the role of place in mediating migrant belonging by attending to the spatiality of migrants' everyday lives with special regard to their practices in domestic space, workplace and leisure space. In this regard, my research findings also confirm the stickiness of place in contemporary migrants' activities and counteract the discourse of mobile peoples' frictionless movement in the borderless world. The empirical study also establishes an understanding of migrant belonging in relation to the politics of identity. It highlights how migrants' everyday practices of belonging are often informed and shaped by their (negotiations of) identities. As an overseas Chinese group, Taiwanese expatriates' experiences and negotiations of cultural and ethnic identity integral to their practices of belonging can be considered within the broader scholarship of Chinese diaspora. However, this research challenges the idea of a homogenous Chinese identity through the case study of Taiwanese in Mainland China, drawing attention to the diversity of Chinese identities and how they are practised and experienced. In so doing, this research not only advances the understanding of Chinese transnationalism, but the focus on Taiwanese expatriates' belonging as situated lived practices also contributes to enrich recent academic writings on the grounded form of transnationalism and middling transnationalism.

This study proposes that urban post-industrial landscapes are defined by both the emergence of new post-industrial building types and uses, and the survival of 19th century residential areas that are typical in English cities. As such the post-industrial city is characterised by processes of change and continuity. The concern for and interest in the character of these residential areas is seen as indicative of current cultural values in the management of the (historic built) environment. This study suggests that in an increasingly complex post-industrial world the concern for character and sense of place are of paramount social and cultural importance, yet the notion of character is often in practice used in a prescriptive, limited capacity and this belies its inclusive and profound, but very complex, potential. Combining historical research with the analysis of the current built environment, the aim of this research is, through a three-phased case-study of the Heaton Residential Neighborhood, to analyse the history, development and the subsequent changes that over the last 100 or so years have had an impact on Heaton as an area. The case-study is undertaken in the context of a theoretical framework developed from a critical reading of existing character conceptualisations within environmental disciplines. This theoretical framework understands the city and its character as a transductive matrix that combines the technical, physical, psychical and affective realities. The case-study is also contextualised in relation to current environmental management policies and a number of established built environment research methods are evaluated based on how they relate to the theoretical framework and address change within the built environment. The concluding chapters develop the case-study research further through historical and typological analysis, assess the merits of the research methodology used and connect the case-study research with the theoretical framework. This study concludes that the research approach adopted allows for the critical assessment of the perceived key characteristics of the surviving 19th century residential areas. It is suggested that combination of historical research and analysis of the current built environment can shed new light on the development of the character of all residential areas. Furthermore, in moving beyond the physical appearance as the key constituent of character, this study high-lights the more abstract characteristics of 19th century residential areas within the post-industrial city.

This research project aims to explore the factors constituting ‘sense of place’ for individuals in the North Pennines who are engaging with their heritage through volunteer, leisure or other ‘safeguarding’ activities. The PhD draws on an analysis of indepth interview data collected in 2008 amongst people engaging with their heritage in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The research explores and analyses the bond between people and place. A review of the literature from environmental psychology finds sense of place explored through notions of ‘place identity’, ‘place attachment’ and ‘place dependency’ and in Chapter Four data is discussed in relation to these ideas. Drawing on an identity process model introduced in Chapter Four, the relationship between people, place and time that represents the contribution of heritage to sense of place, is the focus of discussion in Chapter Five. Chapter Six concentrates on the involvement of local people in heritage activity. Evidence is presented in support of the view that human, social and identity forms of capital can be developed through engagement with heritage. Chapter Seven introduces supporting data to explore the potential presented by the ecomuseum paradigm. The chapter proposes that there are solutions within ecomuseology to some of the issues raised by the previous chapters. These are issues of the plurality of heritage values, the three‐dimensionality of sense of place and the urgent need for an alternative heritage paradigm that has capacity for a more democratic involvement of local people as ‘agents’ of sense of place. Synergies are found between the objectives within the AONB Management Plan and the principles of ecomuseology. The dissertation concludes by noting the limitations of the existing heritage discourse to recognise the ways in which local people find expression for their heritage values and argues for an ‘alternative heritage discourse.’ This discourse accepts the experience of heritage as a cultural process such as the social interaction of festivals and exhibitions and the reminiscence woven through everyday chatter during such engagement. Protection of heritage that democratically involves ordinary people and acknowledges their many ways of ascribing meaning is therefore demanded.

Mass tourism and mainstream development have been widely criticised as continuing in the colonial legacies of market integration on highly unequal terms, failing to benefit local people and for causing environmental and cultural destruction. Responsible, homestay tourism, where tourists stay in local peoples’ homes in the rural areas of largely developing countries, proposes an alternative to mass tourism. It has emerged within sustainable development principles of working to benefit local people and to protect ‘fragile’ natural environments and traditional cultures. However, homestay tourism privileges global markets to deliver the interdependent agendas of development and cultural revival. It is this central assumption that market mechanisms will bring sustainable development, that has largely been left unchallenged in popular and academic discussions of responsible tourism and that this thesis examines. Travel to experience other cultures and to benefit others is a deeply rooted cultural practice among certain sectors of UK and, more widely, Northern1 societies. Notions of elite travel as the pursuit of educational experiences have been normalised through the legacies of the ‘Grand Tour’. Moreover, imaginations of travel as a quest to discover ‘new’ lands, resources and peoples originated in and drove colonial exploration. The idea of travel to benefit others can be traced to imperialism’s moral project, the missionary movements and the ‘civilizing mission’, whose ideals and goals arguably carry through into development discourses. While often seen as an alternative to more exploitative mass tourism, homestay tourism could be argued to validate these contentious imaginative legacies. It provides spaces for contact between tourists and ‘exotic’ peoples, while claiming to bring developmental benefits. Moreover, it offers a product to fulfil Northern, middle-class consumers’ tastes for niche, exclusive and ethical products. This thesis aims to explore the neo-liberal approaches to sustainable development embedded in homestay tourism by bringing together a critical analysis of the intersecting genealogies of colonialism, development and class-based tastes in travel. Moreover, it examines the home as an emerging space of commodity culture. It combines these theoretical perspectives with a multi-sited study of homestay tourism in Peru. Sites are studied across multiple scales and include popular and promotional material (guide books, travel company brochures and websites), international development agencies’ policy documents and interviews with key actors from international development agencies, Peruvian State agencies, NGOs and responsible travel agents and indigenous community tourism association leaders. It also draws on observations recorded and photographs taken during participating in homestays during fieldwork in Peru. Drawing on postcolonial critiques of tourism, post-development perspectives that highlight the professionalisation of the development industry and literature exploring the historical legacy of colonialism and modernisation in Peru, this thesis proposes that homestay tourism needs to consider more deeply the assumptions on which it trades. It suggests that the absence of critical reflection within the industry seriously weakens its radical claims of offering an alternative to mass tourism and mainstream development.

The study examines the relationship between tourism and development with a particular focus on the effects of development on the historic town of Chiang Saen, located in northern Thailand. This town is currently undergoing profound social, political, and economic change due to the rapid growth of the tourism industry in the region and government plans to promote Chiang Sean as a business hub and as part of the major international development project named the “Greater Maekong Sub-Region” (GMS). The study investigates how these changes affect the local community, in particular examining the perspective of local residents concerning the impact and changes to the local identity of the community as an historic town, its culture and way of life. It documents local resident’s reactions directed at minimising and reducing negative impacts by proposing forms of development which they perceive to be more appropriate because they have less impact on the community and consume fewer resources. According to the study, community-based tourism such as home-stay tourism, cultural tourism, and historical tourism are perceived by local residents to be new forms of tourism, which unlike mass tourism, are not resource intensive. These forms of tourism offer local residents greater opportunities to operate and manage tourism activities themselves and enable them to sustain and conserve their community’s identity. In addition, the study also illustrates that community involvement and participation in development are perceived by local residents to be key in achieving successful community development.