ABSTRACT
Planning and developing tourism for children without asking children is absurd. This has been supported by valuable academic studies, which have showed that children are an important, vocal, yet marginalised stakeholder group in tourism. The theoretical underpinnings of the two chapters will include participatory planning, i.e. Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation and empowerment. These theoretical frameworks will be discussed within the broader setting of children’s contribution to tourism development and improving the quality of life within families and communities. The latter will be represented by empowering children to embrace tourism as a lifestyle and future employment opportunity and empowering them to have their say in future tourism development.
