Oceanic cultures of tourism and leisure: An introduction

This introductory chapter to Shores, Surfaces, and Depths: Oceanic Cultures of Tourism and Leisure provides a brief but instructive overview of the themes and concepts covered by the collection’s 12 contributions. It situates the volume within its contemporary context, referencing the climate emergency as well as ongoing processes of extraction, pollution, and development. The emerging scholarship it brings together is positioned against these activities and their intensification, but revolves instead around the doings, happenings, and accomplishments of those who seek out oceanic worlds for their leisurely and touristic pleasure. The chapter makes clear statements about what has been included and what has not, with the ultimate aim of presenting a volume that represents key historical and current debates within the various disciplines and fields that converge around leisure and tourism and their articulations with blue planetary life.