International Journal of Tourism Policy (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Sustainability in European tourism policy-making after the treaty of Lisbon  
  by Tania Pantazi 
  Abstract: Tourism policy in the European Union is an area of supporting competence and coordination, with a limited legal basis for action introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007. Sustainability has been on the agenda of European policymakers for at least thirty years. This paper reviews, categorises and chronologically presents institutional documents and studies prepared for European bodies, mainly collected from the Publications Office of the European Union, in order to identify in which way sustainability has been incorporated into tourism policy-making since 2007. Findings reveal a gradual change in political priorities after 2015 and the emergence of sustainability as the principal matter of discussion in European tourism documents. The current European action plan has the green and digital transition at its core, but EU action remains supplementary in nature and the most important advancements are expected to occur in the context of other European policies.
  Keywords: European Union; sustainability; tourism policy; institutional documents; green and digital transition.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10065673
   
  
• Tourism 4.0 meets the metaverse: revolutionising immersive travel and sustainability  
  by Neelapala Venkat, Rama Swamy Palla, Rajat Jaiswal, Devi Pathivada, Vishal Shukla 
  Abstract: This study explores how metaverse technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, can enhance tourist experiences and support sustainable tourism. Through a systematic review of recent literature and thematic analysis, it examines the opportunities and challenges of metaverse-driven tourism, identifying key themes and research gaps. The findings reveal that immersive and interactive features offered by these technologies significantly improve tourist experiences, surpassing physical world limitations, while also promoting sustainability by mitigating tourism’s environmental, cultural, and societal impacts. However, ethical, social, and environmental concerns surrounding their adoption require careful consideration. By presenting a comprehensive review and proposing a new conceptual framework, this study contributes to the understanding of how metaverse technologies can transform tourism. It highlights interdisciplinary opportunities for future research, integrating insights from tourism, technology, psychology, ethics, and sustainability, offering a valuable resource for academics and practitioners in these fields.
  Keywords: metaverse tourism; Tourism 4.0; virtual reality; augmented reality; blockchain; sustainable tourism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10071493
   
  
• The competitiveness of homestays in rural Darjeeling: a comparative study between Lepchajagat and Sittong  
  by Diksha Lama, Akhilesh Kumar Singh 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to select, rank, and contrast the factors that influence homestays’ competitiveness and success in the villages of Lepchajagat and Sittong, Darjeeling, West Bengal. Using convenience sampling, information was collected from homestay owners, employees, and tourists to assess the importance of various factors selected from previous literature and Ritchie and Crouch’s (2003) model of destination competitiveness (core resources and attractors). The Garrett ranking was used to rank and compare the variables that were selected. The Mann-Whitney U test was then used for statistical validation, the test results verified similar factors ranked for competitiveness of homestays. This may be because of similarity in people, culture, geography, and terrain of the villages. Additionally, the paper draws attention to the distinctive features and tourist dynamics of each place, arguing that homestays have to be customised to each village’s particular requirements and capabilities.
  Keywords: homestays; factors; Sittong; Lepchajagat; destination competitiveness model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10071848
   
  
• Advancing tourism green policy: a case study of ecotourism enterprises in Banjar, Himachal Pradesh  
  by Vedika Singh, Shruti Sharma Rana, Anuj Kumar 
  Abstract: Ecotourism enterprises (ETEs) can have a pivotal role at ecotourism sites in India, emerging as key players in green policy development. The study determines the relationships of ETEs in advancing green policy practices in sustainable ecotourism through analysing the key stakeholders with whom the ETEs interact, such as tourists, local governments and communities, academics, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Methods of qualitative triangulation were employed in this research, qualitative data analysis was performed through a coding cycle called blended coding, using QDA Miner software. The findings of the study highlighted the critical challenges and provided a comprehensive list of suggestions given by stakeholders for policy development to help balance environmental conservation and economic utilisation of tourist destinations for future tourism green policy.
  Keywords: ETEs; ecotourism enterprises; tourism green policies; sustainable ecotourism; Himachal Pradesh.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10072520
   
  
• Examining the relationship between visitors and residents in the context of overtourism: enhancing resilience for the promotion of sustainable tourism in Gangtok Hill Station of India  
  by Nitesh Kumar, Sunildro L.S. Akoijam 
  Abstract: Overtourism in Gangtok, Sikkim, is increasingly influencing how local residents perceive tourists and the tourism sector. This study explores the emotional and social responses of the host community using the stimulus organism-response (SOR) theory and Doxeys Irritation Index. Five important constructs were examined: congestion and touristification as external stimuli; annoyance and tourismphobia as emotional reactions; and antagonism as the final behavioural response. A structured questionnaire was distributed among 300 residents, representing a wide range of professions and demographic backgrounds. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data, which revealed strong associations between the constructs. The findings indicate that as tourism-related disturbances increase, residents attitudes progress from discomfort to fear and eventually to resistance. This highlights how unregulated tourism development can lead to growing social tensions in tourist destinations. The study strongly emphasises the need for sustainable tourism policies that take local sentiments into account while aiming to balance development with the well-being of the community.
  Keywords: overtourism; hill station; Gangtok; host community; sustainable tourism; residents; visitors; tourism destinations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073042
   
  
• Examining the attitude-behaviour gap: barriers to sustainable tourism from a developing country, India  
  by Sarath Chandra Kanth Pedapalli, Bharti Gupta 
  Abstract: Although individuals may engage in pro-environmental behaviours daily, these attitudes do not always translate into sustainable actions during vacations. Numerous studies have explored this discrepancy, primarily in developed nations. Less attention has been given to whether it exists among eco-conscious individuals from developing countries, where climate change and structural challenges are deeply entrenched. This research examines whether an attitude-behaviour gap exists among eco-activists in the Indian travel context and whether its factors align with those in developed countries. The study employed an interpretative approach with 27 in-depth interviews. The results revealed a gap between participants pro-environmental concerns and their travel choices, reflecting barriers reported in developed nations. However, additional barriers, such as safety and seasonality concerns, emerged in the Indian travel context. The findings emphasise the need for targeted policy interventions in tourism planning and governance to tackle structural barriers and advance sustainable travel behaviours.
  Keywords: attitude-behaviour gap; sustainable tourism; eco-conscious travellers; structural barriers; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073069
   
  
• Tipping behaviour in 5-star hotel restaurants: the moderated mediation effect of alcohol consumption and customer gender  
  by Bang Nguyen-Viet, Dai Giang Chau, Huyen Ngo-Thi-Ngoc 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing customer tipping behaviour in the context of 5-star hotel restaurants and to examine the moderating role of alcohol consumption and customer gender on the relationship between guest satisfaction and tipping behaviour. The research employs a quantitative methodology, using surveys distributed to 213 customers. The results demonstrate that food quality and restaurant atmosphere are associated with guest satisfaction. Furthermore, alcohol consumption and customer gender are key moderators in the relationship between guest satisfaction and tipping behaviour. The study also reveals that restaurant ambiance directly affects tipping behaviour. These findings provide valuable information for managers in the hospitality industry to enhance food quality, restaurant atmosphere, and guest satisfaction, while also providing a deeper understanding of tipping behaviour in Vietnam.
  Keywords: tipping behavior; gender; alcohol consumption; 5-star hotel restaurants; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073245
   
  
• Tourism value chain and actors integration: evidence from Ethiopia  
  by Ayele Lake, Singh Apar 
  Abstract: The study investigated the challenges of integrations of tourism value-chain actors in Ethiopia. To this end, data was generated from 42 purposively selected professions. This included government tourism officers, university lecturers, travel agents, car rental service managers, tour operators, hotel managers, Ethiopian Airlines officers, tourism association members, and tour guides. Thematic qualitative analysis techniques were used to analyse the data gathered from in-depth interviews. Research findings indicate that Ethiopia has poorly implemented the integration of actors in the tourism value chain, neglecting local communities, tourism training institutes, and tourism associations. Stakeholders in the tourism value chain must swiftly address critical areas like marketing, product creation, destination planning, infrastructure, and human resource development. The study proposes a comprehensive framework that can integrate the actors in the Ethiopian context.
  Keywords: tourism value chain; tourism actors; actors’ integration; tourism planners; tourism intermediaries; tour companies; hotels; service suppliers; Ethiopia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073309
   
  
• Analysing outbound travel preferences and motivations of South Korean tourists, especially to India from the perspective of Korean travel professionals  
  by Geetika Agrawal, Vikas Madhukar, Ruchika Kulshrestha 
  Abstract: The paper explores Korean travel agents perspectives on changing outbound travel trends among South Koreans, with a focus on India. Using convenience and snowball sampling, the researcher interviewed 10 travel agents catering to Indias market. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face discussions. Content analysis method was adopted with multiple case studies to provide insight on outbound choices for Korean travellers visiting overseas, especially to India. Study shows that Koreans rely on travel agents to visit India and also use websites like Daum and Naver for information. Positive perceptions include Indian hospitality and friendliness, but challenges remain in accessibility, Korean-speaking guides, Korean food availability, infrastructure, and womens safety. The study highlights travel agents expectations from Indias Embassy and Ministry of Tourism, including a dedicated tourism office in Korea, familiarisation tours, stronger advertising, targeted campaigns, and promotion of new destinations such as Ladakh and South India alongside the golden triangle.
  Keywords: outbound travel; travel trends; Korean travel industry experts; motivations to travel to India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073473