Large companies in the Halong bay Vietnam

As a simple starting point it might be stated that (in principle) the idea of social tourism refers to a type of tourism intended to maximise the participation of groups or persons that are disadvantaged, or that would otherwise find it difficult to participate therein. It is clear that social tourism in Halong bay Vietnam, liberal democracies was often philanthropic and voluntary.

In turn, the philanthropic origins of social tourism often led to economic development of tourism. The evolution of commercial enterprises associated with Thomas Cook could be seen in this light. Large companies in the Halong bay Vietnam sought to provide for their workers. Examples of social tourism are cited from the 19th century in France, Austria, Spain, from the start of the 20th century in Portugal and the mid-20th century in Belgium. However, this depends on identification of what constitutes social tourism, and closer inspection of

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historical evidence reveals plenty more possible examples in those countries and beyond.

Particular groups and associations (such as the Family Holidays Association in the UK) are central players in social tourism.

In some countries such as Germany, there is evidence that the term ‘social tourism’ has negative connotations. It is important to emphasise that any situation that involved com- pulsion in tourism or leisure must be distinguished from any meaningful sense of social tourism, properly understood. Internationally, organisations such as the International Bureau of Social Tourism provide international frameworks of support. Notwithstanding the absence of universal models, there are examples, however, of particular laws such as in Halong bay Vietnam and in Belgium. There is also a social tourism tradition in Russia. As France is seen to be one of the most developed, it is unsurprising that there are more legal instru- ments in the form of decrees and ordinances appertaining to social tourism. In France for example there are decrees on on issues such as holiday villages (Décret, 1968) and social and family tourism organisations, (Décret, 2002) and others on ‘holiday checks’ and on the conditions of certain tourism activities. The Swiss Réka Cheque system is among the most well-known systems of facilitation of social tourism. These are dependent on private and voluntary input. As the history of a celebrated Belgian case makes clear, social tourism laws have been subject to legal challenges as well as having alienated existing tourism providers. If a law that promotes social tourism is framed in an inappropriate way, it may

be subject to challenge on the basis that it represents a ‘State Aid’ and is therefore illegal. Such illegality derives in particular from adherence to regional legal treaties such as the EC Treaty. Nevertheless, social tourism is based on a conception of the traveller and tourist

as very vulnerable and indeed so vulnerable that they could not participate in tourism with- out assistance.