Over the past couple of years, I have engaged with several platforms representing various sub-sectors of the leisure industries, ranging from theme parks and zoos to recreation and museums. A recurring theme on these platforms is that organisations should provide highly impactful experiences. The belief, driven by seminal works from both the professional and scientific literature, is that success can be achieved by offering meaningful and perhaps even transformative experiences. Although these experience types are certainly impactful, the terms ‘meaningful’ and ‘transformative’ sometimes tend to be taken out of context and become buzzwords instead, leading to the notion that everything must suddenly be meaningful or transformational. This results in imposed meaningfulness or transformation by design, which potentially leads to the opposite effect among consumers instead. Paradoxically, I would therefore argue that sometimes intentionally not designing for meaningfulness might be just as meaningful.

Leisure plays a pivotal role in enhancing the human condition, offering avenues for exploration, growth, and self-actualisation (Kleiber, 2017; Kleiber & McGuire, Leisure & Human Development, 2019; Tapps, Wells, & Parr, 2021). The World Leisure Organization (WLO) emphasises that "well-selected leisure experiences improve quality of life for all - from childhood to later life" (WLO, 2023). This article features the inclusive Samen Dansen (Dancing Together) dance project by Stichting het Gehandicapte Kind, which aims to foster inclusion among children with and without special needs through hip-hop dance classes.

The province of Brabant (the Netherlands) is renowned for its numerous attractions, its picturesque countryside, and its excellent bicycle infrastructure. VisitBrabant Routebureau aims to enhance the province’s recreational offerings through routes based on well-known local stories. Since 2019, the professorship in Storytelling (Breda University of Applied Sciences) and VisitBrabant so far have realised 18 story-based bicycle routes, 12 of which are based on local folk tales. Storytelling is at the core of these routes, because it is a valuable instrument for creating meaningful experiences for visitors. By matching the logic of the storyline with that of the route and the local entrepreneurs, the story-based routes become embedded in the area. When a story derives from the local community, the value of the route stretches beyond the visitor experience. It can reinforce the community’s connection with the story leading to new meaningful experiences. This is the case with the route of The Dancing Cats around the village of Bergeijk.

Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital and largest city, has become a symbol of resilience amidst the ongoing war with Russia. Despite relentless bombings and attacks, the city’s vibrant entertainment and cultural scene has transformed from a source of mere leisure into an essential pillar for mental survival. Theatres, concert venues, and festivals have become sanctuaries for residents, offering solace, unity, and emotional relief in the face of extreme adversity. This article shows how live music in Kyiv has become essential for mental well-being during the war. Through the voices of organisers, musicians, and attendees, the piece highlights how live music has come to provide a powerful escape in the face of war.

Once a quiet peninsula known for its pearl divers and sweeping desert landscapes, Qatar has emerged as a bold global player - combining ancient heritage with futuristic ambition. Nestled along the shimmering coastline of the Arabian Gulf, the country’s capital, Doha, has transformed into a dynamic hub of ultramodern architecture, cultural innovation, and world-class infrastructure. From the iconic Museum of Islamic Art - a limestone jewel inspired by centuries of Islamic design - standing proudly on the Corniche waterfront, to the country's expansive investments in sports, tourism, and cultural programming, Qatar has set its sights on becoming a global destination for excellence in leisure (tourism, culture, sports, and recreation).

The University of Otago Department of Tourism began as the Centre for Tourism in 1989. The Department is a member of several international tourism and hospitality organisations and is proud to be one of the nine World Leisure Centres of Excellence worldwide.