Murray Stewart

Hubert Heinelt

Michael Haus

The issue of local governance is high on the institutional agenda of many local and regional authorities throughout the OECD countries. This book explores the relationship between two key issues of urban governance - leadership and community involvement - and how making these two elements more complementary can lead to more effective as well as legitimate policy outcomes. The authors examine the dilemmas involved in ensuring effective governance, focusing on issues such as legitimacy, citizen participation, economic performance and social inclusion.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Urban Governance and Democracy

Aisling Irwin

Colum Wilson

This new 7th edition of Bradt's Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) has been fully revised and updated and remains the most comprehensive English-language guidebook available to the islands of this alluring Atlantic archipelago, described by some as 'Africa light'. The guide includes well-researched history and cultural sections, with a particularly strong section on music, and brings an honest approach to reporting the fragile balance between tourist development and protecting the environment. This new edition reflects the many changes since the previous one, including the introduction of charter flights from the UK to Sal and the first casino-hotel on Sal, as well as providing full information on how to make the most of the less developed islands away from the main tourist hotspots. Stable and peaceful, quietly isolated by its mid-Atlantic location, Cape Verde continues to grow economically and to develop its tourist infrastructure at a leisurely pace. With few natural resources, the islands are heavily dependent on imports, foreign remittances and still to some extent on foreign aid. The reduction in the latter has heightened the focus on the importance of tourism as an economic driver and visitor numbers continue to rise. Year-round sunshine makes Cape Verde a particularly appealing destination. The archipelago is diverse, particularly in terms of its tourist infrastructure. Sal and Boavista, the oldest of these volcanic islands are flat with white-sand beaches that rival anything in the world. Consequently, they attract 95% of Cape Verde's visitors, leaving the other seven inhabited islands undeveloped. Hikers and those curious to discover something authentic are drawn to them, spending their time walking amongst the jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes of Fogo or Santo Antão, taking some true time-out in tiny Brava or mellow Maio or enjoying the cultural fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences in the cities of Praia and Mindelo. The adventurous will find adrenalin rushing as they profit from windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, fuelled by strong breezes and Atlantic waves, while for culture, Mindelo is the attraction with a constant backdrop of seductive music, the thread which ties together the islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic.

Cape Verde

David Sayers

Bradt's Azores is the only comprehensive guidebook to the nine-island archipelago, a nature-lovers' wilderness perched at the western extremity of Europe in the mid-Atlantic, and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Thanks to the experience of expert botanist and author David Sayers, and the ongoing involvement of author Murray Stewart, the book retains a depth of knowledge about flora and fauna and continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of Azores attractions in the past few years. In Bradt's Azores, full background and practical information is complemented by a region-by-region breakdown and nine chapters - one per island - to provide all the details needed for a successful visit. There are also 29 maps and separate sections on language and the islands' flora. This new edition includes details of Ponta Delgada's new 5-star hotels and Santa Maria's new round-island walk, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times. Information about new waymarked walks is also covered, plus new bike-hire and whale-watching companies. The Azores attract geologists, bird-watchers, whale-watchers and anyone who loves nature in all its forms. Mountaineers can head to Pico island to climb Portugal's highest peak. The Azores' volcanic origins make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking or canyoning. A geological curiosity, a nature-lover's paradise and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible in recent years. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, though, they retain an authenticity, a genuineness which in most places remains true to its roots. Safe and welcoming, the islands are drawing in a whole new group of visitors, mainly from Europe and the USA, attracted by the diversity of outdoor activities, easier accessibility and improvements to the visitor infrastructure.

Azores

Diverse and fascinating, the Cape Verde islands offer idyllic beaches but also the unique culture and traditions of their soulful inhabitants. Bradt's Cape Verde remains the preeminent guide.

Diana Darke

With development of North Cyprus's resorts, properties, and facilities growing rapidly, this new edition to the quieter, Turkish side of the divided island will be appreciated by tourists. Listings for specialist operators and updates on the range of restaurants, hotels, transport links and activities are included

North Cyprus

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to the Basque Country and Navarre remains the most comprehensive and in-depth guide available to this multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland encompassing parts of southern France and northern Spain. This fully revised second edition includes all the elements required for an enjoyable holiday and also the unique aspects of Basque culture and traditions which make this such a fascinating part of the world. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre seeks to give a real insight into what is a strong regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with its aura of intrigue and taking you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities and into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside. When it comes to food, discover not just what to eat, but also how to eat it, for many Basque eating rituals apply! In this, the most complete guidebook to the Spanish and French Basque Country and Navarre, Murray Stewart covers the principal cities - rejuvenated Bilbao with its famous Guggenheim Museum, beautiful San Sebastián, verdant Vitoria-Gasteiz and lively Pamplona - and also delves deeper into the region's interior, capturing the quirkiness that makes it so special. With 36 maps, 16 walks, advice on where to cycle, horseride and surf, he guides travellers through an area whose profile is firmly 'on the up.' Find the best pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuletón (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrénées, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places. Here are the best festivals, including Pamplona's famous, bull-running San Fermin. Learn how the handing-over of three cows has kept the peace for centuries, or where you can see the annual 'Benediction of the Red Pepper'. Join the walkers on the Caminos de Santiago, the pilgrim routes which still sustain the local economy, 1,000 years after they began. Find information on the unique Basque and Navarran wines, top birdwatching sites, history, music, sports and culture - and when to visit. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre is the ideal companion.

Murray Stewart

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