Trajectories and trends in creative tourism: Where are we headed?

Abstract

The desire for more-than-accumulating-tourism-experiences spawned more meaningful travel and 'transformational tourism'. As these tendencies pile on one another, propelled by broader societal changes and trends, they are inter-mingling and spawning new developments. In this crowded sea of interactive, inspiring, meaningful, and (big picture) creative activities, how is creative tourism envisioned? From the roots of creative tourism activities and strategies, what is emerging now? In this chapter, we briefly outline what we envision as 12 major trajectories in creative tourism, organized into four general categories: taking home creative skills as well as souvenirs, finding space for creativity, cultivating meaningful travel, and connecting with creative networks and hubs.