Children and transformative learning in tourism: conceptual insights from a study of eco-farms in europe

Nascent frameworks of transformative tourism have largely focused on adult learning and experience. In contrast, this paper evaluates the role of children in transformation by discussing school and family visits to Hare Krishna eco-farms in Europe.

Participatory research, qualitative observations and recent developments in the transformative tourism literature were used to explore children’s environmental encounters in Hare Krishna eco-tours.

Findings reveal that Krishna eco-tours offer a conducive environment for transformation through destination characteristics such as authenticity, novel and sensory experiences, nature play, entertainment, and freedom from everyday constraints.

Using the case as an example, a new analytical tool is presented as a critical synthesis of recently emerging frameworks in transformative tourism.