The three systems of rail tourism: French case

In France, rail tourism appears to be a neglected research area. On the other hand, Anglo-Saxon researchers focus on both transport tourism and special interest tourism. This pioneering paper identifies and characterizes three systems in rail tourism according to two dimensions: is operator a company (or non-profit-making association) directly running the railway or is it acting as a business intermediary? Which strategy in added-value does it pursue? The paper stresses the historical dynamic of rail tourism systems since the 1870s. It emphasises their specificities in terms of organization, technology and management.

► The paper identifies three systems in rail tourism.
► The paper stresses the historical dynamic of rail tourism systems since the 1870s.
► It emphasises rail tourism specificities in terms of organization, technology and management.