"This is an important book. It raises the level of scholarship in the tourism field. The book examines the term 'quality tourism experience' and draws on a number of theoretical research paradigms such as post positivism, critical theory, social constructivism, and postmoderism. The techniques are used in engaging chapters. The work demonstrates that multiple theoretical lenses can create a better understanding of quality tourism experiences than a single approach. The complexity of the topic is highlighted throughout the book. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in tourism experiences and would be great for a tourism seminar. In addition, the book draws together authors from different countries, backgrounds, interdisciplinary interests, and research methodologies. Consequently, the book provides a model of a way researchers can work together to examine an area and provide multiple representations and interpretations of that area." -- Charles R. Goeldner, Professor Emeritus of Tourism, Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado "This is a very unique book unlike the ones we have seen in the field. The connection between tourism and quality experiences and quality of life has always been implied and assumed. The collections of both essays and empirical works in this edited volume bring out the essence and true meaning of engaging in tourism and leisure activities in life. This book would be of great interest to tourism professionals and practitioners alike at all levels." -- Muzaffer Uysal, Professor of Tourism Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA "This volume represents a most needed detailed discussion of the issue of quality in tourism. "Quality" is often used as a throwaway phrase without appropriate clarification or conceptualisation. This book explores the concept from a variety of paradigms and through the use of extensive empirical work. It provides an excellent base from which to evaluate and analyse what is really meant by, and what should be strived for, in the provision of quality in tourism. It is generally accepted that tourism provides experiences and intangible benefits to participants rather than material ones, yet the resolution of what determines the level or quality of such experiences has never been discussed at the level reached in this book. It provides the first extensive conceptual analysis of the problem of understanding the nature and quality of tourism, and is supported by extensive empirical research. This volume succeeds in incorporating a range of paradigms and concepts relating to the complex subject of quality in the context of the intangible benefits or experiences that result from participation in tourism. It builds on considerable empirical research in exploring the multiple viewpoints from which quality in the tourism experience can be considered and contributes significantly to the literature in this difficult conceptual area of discussion." -- Richard Butler, Professor of Tourism, University of Surrey, UK "In an era of competition, speed, and quantity, a reflective piece of work on meaning, experience, and quality from a group of leading tourism researchers is of paramount value. This collection will prompt tourism planners and marketers to think about the real purpose and true benefits of tourism development. This should be on the "must read" list for tourism students and practitioners." -- Cathy Hsu, Associate Head and Graduate Programs Director, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University "This book clearly demonstrates that our field is blessed with a group of wonderfully talented and creative women. It provides a collection of papers examining research concepts, methodologies, and data focused on Quality Tourism Experiences. With topics as diverse as "Brokering Quality Tourism Experiences", "Resident Quality of Life and Quality Experiences for Tourists", "Quality Tourism Development and Planning", "Quality Tourism Experiences Reconstructed" and "The Distribution of Tourism Benefits", this book establishes a conceptual framework for understanding Tourism Quality. It is a must read for tourism scholars interested in the concept of quality and its implications. It creates the foundation for the next generation of tourism quality research articles and theory. I look forward to publishing those articles!" -- Rick Perdue , Editor, Journal of Travel Research President, International Academy for the Study of Tourism