Is anybody listening? Children and young people’s participation in tourism policy
Antonia Canosa, Mona Ji Hyun Yang, Siqi Emily Lu, Brent MoylePurpose
This study explores the extent to which children and young people are incorporated into tourism policy and planning in Australia. This study aims to critically assess their recognition as stakeholders in destination governance and to evaluate whether their participation is framed meaningfully or tokenistically.
Design/methodology/approach
A thematic analysis was conducted on 233 strategic planning documents produced between 2000 and 2030 across national, state, regional and local levels of Australian tourism governance. The analysis examined how children and young people are represented within policy discourse.
Findings
Results reveal that youth are rarely acknowledged as stakeholders in tourism governance. When mentioned, they are predominantly framed as market segments rather than as citizens with rights, agency and situated knowledge. This study highlights a systemic absence of child-inclusive governance, challenging assumptions that destination planning is inherently community-centred. Evidence suggests that current efforts to involve young people in policymaking remain largely tokenistic, undermining both community wellbeing and long-term destination sustainability.
Practical implications
The findings reveal the need for participatory models that meaningfully involve children and young people into tourism planning processes. Such models have the potential to enhance destination governance, strengthen community resilience and ensure that tourism development aligns with broader principles of social inclusion and sustainability.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to systematically examine the role of children and young people in tourism policy in Australia. By interrogating their exclusion from destination governance, the study contributes new insights into the intersection of youth rights, participation and tourism planning.