Social Tourism, Its Clients and Perspectives

Abstract

This article analyzes the definitions, contents and implementations of the concept of “social tourism”. Social tourism is also called tourism for all, because its aim is to involve the whole society in tourism, including disadvantaged people, whether disadvantaged for economic or health reasons. The paper also proposes a definition of social tourism that can effectively set social tourism apart from other forms of tourism and defines the added social benefits. For this population segment it is a substantial problem to travel. It is designed for low-income families, who have the right to travel, but they can’t fully exercise this right. In addition to the financial aid of the state, various organizations and associations involved in social tourism contribute to the promotion of social tourism. The region of study vas defined as Slovakia. The paper investigates which organizations search for grant possibilities, create products for social tourism, bring together the objects of social tourism and assist in the promotion and improvement of living and social tourist conditions. The paper reflects the very actual need for securing holiday possibilities for the unprivileged people, and also for migrants and new-settlers. The aim of the paper is to show the strong and weak aspects of social tourism in Slovakia and possible areas of improvement.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p42