Yoga and Tourism

Nazia Ali is a sociologist and holds a PhD in Tourism Studies from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. Her main subject expertise concerns matter of identity and advanced qualitative approaches in research. She has published extensively on the sociology of tourism with a particular focus in the areas of ethnicity, migration, race, and religion. She is currently Associate Professor in Hospitality Management and Leadership at Buckinghamshire New University, UK.

• List of Illustrations xAbout the Author xiPreface xiiAcknowledgements xivIntroduction 11 Background to Yoga 52 Yoga Tourism: Typologies, Tourists and Travels 453 Case Studies: Yoga Tourism from Around the World 80Conclusion 109Index 113

“This book provides a deep insight into the intersections between yoga and tourism, examining ranging definitions, motivations, and typologies of yoga tourism. Dr Ali employs an interdisciplinary approach, exposing the developments, criticalities, and challenges of yoga tourism, including its closerelationship to wellbeing, the wellness economy, and the geographies of wellbeing. This case study rich book is written in a creative and empirically informed manner, making it a very enlightening text.”Professor Marcus L. Stephenson, Head – Edge Hotel School, University of Essex, UK“Offering rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary analysis, this book explores yoga’s historical, spiritual, and philosophical origins while interrogating its transformation within contemporary tourism. With nuanced definitions of yoga tourism, critical examination of tourist experiences across diverse locations, and reflections on cultural, ethical, and future complexities, it is a vital resource for academics, students, and practitioners seeking to understand yoga’s place in global tourism contexts.”Dr Rukeya Suleman, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, University of Bedfordshire, UK“This timely and meticulously researched book acknowledges the multifaceted nature of yoga in relation to travel and tourism, and explores a range of perspectives. A truly interdisciplinary undertaking, the book includes a number of case studies that combine to support Dr Ali’s notion that theconcept of wellness is key to understanding the development of yoga tourism. Dr Ali’s study further establishes her as the go-to author for insightful, engaging and inclusive scholarship on the subject of yoga and travel. The book is useful to students, scholars, practitioners and beyond – and Ali’sglobal and inclusive perspective is refreshing and ensures a contemporary outlook.”Dr Henrik Linden, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Events and Cultural Industries Management, University of East London, UK