This volume investigates the strategies and challenges involved in developing tourism infrastructure and visitor interest in urban centers that exist outside of traditional, high-traffic tourist destinations. Editors Peter Newman and Robert Maitland compile research from various urban planning and tourism experts to analyze how lesser-known cities can leverage local culture, history, and unique urban environments to attract sustainable visitor numbers. The text argues that shifting focus away from primary tourist hubs can alleviate congestion while fostering economic growth in secondary urban locations. By examining case studies across multiple global regions, the authors provide a framework for understanding the intersection of urban development and tourism management.

Experts in urban planning and tourism management identify this text as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of secondary city development. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational reference for students and professionals in the field of urban geography.