A new social movement: Tourism Concern, the first two years

Abstract

This article discusses the emergence of Tourism Concern, a new interest group that has been formed in the United Kingdom as part of a global network of organizations concerned with the growth and impact of tourism. The history of the organization and its relationship with its international associates is related through consideration of specific issues that have arisen over the past two years. Attempts are made to analyse these data by reference to conceptualizations of social movements and pressure groups. The methodological position adopted results in the author deliberately attempting to engage the reader with the dilemmas facing the group. It is argued that by its very existence Tourism Concern challenges the agendas that dominate thinking in the arenas of: the travel and tourism industry, government responses to tourism, and education for and about tourism. The article concludes with a discussion of the likely future directions for Tourism Concern.