A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to public policy making and planning in the leisure, sport and tourism sectors, this book provides an introduction to the subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students. It examines the theoretical issues underpinning public sector policy making such as political ideologies, leisure wants, needs, demand and benefits, and human rights in leisure, sport, tourism and culture. Also discussing the debates surrounding the role of the state versus market and models of organizational decision-making, it uses applied sections addressing strategic planning and performance evaluation to provide a link between theory and practical analytical techniques.