International Journal of Tourism Policy (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• From farm to fork: strengthening sustainable food tourism through farmer-gastronomy collaboration in Austria  
  by Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher, Stephanie Tischler, Marie-Christin Wagner 
  Abstract: The increasing consumer demand for sustainable, local, and organic food has reshaped the relationship between agriculture and tourism. In Austria, a country with a rich agricultural tradition and a thriving tourism sector, the potential for collaboration between farmers and gastronomy remains underexplored. This study uses qualitative interviews to investigate the motivations, challenges, and opportunities for Austrian farmers to collaborate with the tourism and hospitality industry, with the aim of enhancing sustainable food tourism. The research addresses a gap in understanding how these sectors can co-create value while promoting regional development and environmental stewardship. The results reveal a contradiction: although consumer demand for locally sourced food is growing, both structural and relational challenges continue to hinder meaningful partnerships between farmers and the tourism industry. Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of local food systems, fostering more resilient and mutually beneficial food tourism in Austria.
  Keywords: sustainable food tourism; farm-to-fork; farmer-gastronomy collaboration; Austria; regional development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.10079529
   
  
• Sustaining film tourism destination attractiveness: how cognitive and affective factors shape tourist satisfaction  
  by Dongqi Shi, Panuwat Phakdee-Auksorn 
  Abstract: This study examines how cognitive and affective factors jointly shape tourist satisfaction in film-induced tourism. Using a mixed quantitative approach, structural equation modelling (SEM) examined the relationships between perceived authenticity (objective, constructive, and existential) and place attachment (place identity and dependence) with satisfaction, while fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) identified alternative configurational pathways associated with high satisfaction. SEM results indicated that all authenticity dimensions significantly influenced satisfaction, whereas place identity was non-significant in isolation. However, fsQCA revealed that place identity could still drive satisfaction when combined with other factors. The findings contribute to tourism theory by integrating symmetric and asymmetric perspectives and highlighting the complex pathways to satisfaction. Practically, the findings inform tourism policy and strategy by highlighting how destinations can strengthen perceived authenticity, design immersive experiences, and foster place bonds to sustain competitiveness and long-term attractiveness in film-induced tourism.
  Keywords: film-induced tourism; tourist satisfaction; perceived authenticity; place attachment; cognitive-affective model; SEM; structural equation modelling; fsQCA; fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.10079599
   
  
• A fuzzy MCDM approach for AI policy evaluation in smart tourism governance: evidence from Jeju, South Korea  
  by Biyun Jiang, Zhangfang Sun 
  Abstract: Prioritising AI policies under resource constraints remains a core challenge in smart tourism governance. This study addresses how smart tourism destinations can systematically prioritise AI policy investments under budget and capacity constraints. It also examines how these policies enhance tourist experiences and destination sustainability. Using Jeju Island, South Korea as a case study, eight experts systematically assessed six AI policies across four dimensions and 16 criteria. Results reveal that governance coordination is the most critical dimension (weight 0.320), with stakeholder acceptance being the highest-weighted indicator (0.128). The C-ITS intelligent transportation system ranked first (relative closeness 0.667), while drone logistics ranked last due to technological immaturity and governance complexity. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of results (CR = 0.024). This study innovatively applies fuzzy MCDM methods to AI tourism policy evaluation, providing evidence-based decision-making tools for island destinations.
  Keywords: smart tourism; AI policy evaluation; fuzzy multi-criteria decision making; BWM-TOPSIS; Jeju Island.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.10079600
   
  
• Emission hotspots and mitigation scenarios in community-based tourism: mountain and island contexts in Vietnam  
  by Nguyen Thanh Quang 
  Abstract: Community-based tourism (CBT) is widely promoted for local benefits, yet its carbon footprint and mitigation priorities remain underexamined across contrasting settings. This study compares two Vietnamese CBT contexts Hon Dung (mountainous) and Bich Dam (sea-island) using a simplified, activity-based carbon footprint assessment. The assessment focuses on four intervention-relevant components: visitor transport, accommodation electricity, food consumption, and solid waste. Activity data were triangulated from visitor surveys, household/establishment surveys, and field observations and interviews. Emissions were reported mainly per visitor-trip, with visitor-night used as a supplementary normalisation check. Total footprints were similar (64.86 vs. 66.11 kg CO2e/trip), but transport dominated in both sites (67.4% vs. 72.9%). Scenario modelling and sensitivity checks indicate transport-first, low-cost mitigation, followed by food and operational measures.
  Keywords: CBT; community-based tourism; carbon footprint; low-carbon tourism; visitor transport; emission hotspots; mitigation scenarios; mountain tourism; island tourism; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.10079675