Quality of Life and Leisure Education: Implications for Tourism Economies

Abstract

Tourism is rapidly growing in many parts of the world. Although tourism development has much to contribute economically, the long term value will also be based on the environmental and social sustainability. The thesis of this paper is that the leisure needs and interests of local residents and their quality of life should be considered along with the development of tourism economies. Providing the best tourism and local leisure services is dependent on determining means for leisure education, professional education, and research leading to equitable opportunities for all citizens and visitors.

Keywords:

• leisure education
• professional education
• research
• social equity
• tourism