International Journal of Tourism Policy (5 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.