Critical perspectives on travel education : an analysis of current constructions and options for future possibilities

Abstract

This work is an attempt at expanding on current critical perspectives on travel education. First it examines the post-war development of travel as a leisure activity and its increasing adaptability to the powers of the market. Further investigation is carried on the prevalent 'consumer culture ideology' and postmodernism and how these affect this industry and its consumers - the tourists. This dissertation profiles the Maltese tourist in particular and his/her behaviour when travelling abroad. During the temporary displacement during holidays abroad, and especially in Europe, the Maltese tourist carries particular socialised forms of life and in his/her trajectories positions him/herself between the 1 us1 /'them 1 dichotomy. Qualitative research will gather data and investigate through participant observation. A 'culture cirlce' will corroborate empirical data. This study proposes the introduction of a leisure travel education at the primary level through critical pedagogy to be carried out in a non-hierarchical teacher/student relationship through the process of dialogue. A curriculum guidelines is presented.