Provides timely insights into the links between past and present research in the application of psychological theories to tourist behaviour

This book explores the application of psychological theories to tourist behaviour and experiences. It traces the evolution of those theories and how they have changed in response to broader social and economic changes. Among those changes have been the development of tourism, which reflects those social changes and contributes to them. In doing so, tourism theories also contribute to and gain insights from emergent psychological theories including those derived from the neurosciences. The book provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with an understanding of core psychological perspectives derived from both humanistic and empirical psychology and their application to tourist behaviours and experiences.

"Ryan and Zhang’s book offers a contemporary examination of tourist experiences considering recent advances in the neuropsychology field. As well as revisiting factors and classical theories imbuing tourist psychology, they also highlight the complexity and nuances. Indeed, tourists have different roles to play but these must demonstrate responsibility toward environment and society." - Girish Prayag, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

"This is a great work of very high academic value in tourism research. The authors have analyzed and researched important concepts and classic theories with a spirit of innovation, diligent summarization, courage to challenge and meticulous thinking. The book greatly expands and enriches the field of global tourism research, reinforcing its theoretical foundation. It reflects the highest level of scholarly inquiry that will promote the further development of academic research into tourism." - Bin (Devin) Zhou, Ningbo University, China