International Journal of Tourism Policy (8 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
   
  
• Residents’ empowerment in tourism contexts: a structured literature review and future research agenda  
  by Vageesh Neelavar Kelkar, Giridhar B. Kamath, Amol S. Dhaigude, Jyothi Mallya 
  Abstract: This research examines empowering residents and highlights various theories, research countries, top-cited papers, methodologies, contexts, and opportunities for further study. It employs the recommended Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature review (SPAR-4-SLR) techniques to systematically review, synthesise, and integrate the literature on resident empowerment using the theory-context-methodologies (TCM) framework. The findings revealed that a large number of studies are conducted in rural contexts, and Scheyvens’ framework was adopted by the researchers. This comprehensive overview provides a foundation for future research. It contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between residents’ empowerment and tourism development by analysing the most commonly used theories and methodologies and studying the context in the resident empowerment domain.
  Keywords: sustainable tourism development; resident empowerment; structured literature review; theory; contexts; methodology.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10068222
   
  
• Tourism crisis management and recovery policy of the post: pandemic Greek hospitality sector  
  by Aimilia Vlami, George Tsamos, Panagiotis Mitropoulos 
  Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of public policies for the management of the COVID-19 crisis and the resilience of the Greek hospitality sector, using a twofold methodological approach. The first part utilises a qualitative analysis of secondary sources to systematise policies and illustrate the evolutionary path of the crisis. The second part includes a survey of 541 hotels, using ordinal regression analysis to assess their satisfaction with stakeholders policies. The findings of this study underline the importance of the crisis management framework, highlighting the roles of government measures in support, communication, marketing and resilience. A government coordination committee with representatives from all ministries and tourism organisations have enabled effective collaboration. The COVID-19 crisis has not yet appeared to be a catalyst for sustained, large-scale change. Targeted support for vulnerable hotel segments, stronger local and regional collaboration, improved supplier relationships can significantly enhance hotel satisfaction and resilience to future crises.
  Keywords: crisis and disaster management; public policy; hospitality sector; recovery; hotel satisfaction; COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10069089
   
  
• Tourism value paradox: integrating service ecosystems and institutional perspectives  
  by Rama K. Jayanti, Rajat Sharma 
  Abstract: We interface institutional theory with service ecosystem perspective to propose novel mechanisms for service value creation. By linking the institutional theory-based plurality of logics of market-based progression and tradition to service ecosystem insights on value co-creation, we propose a value paradox of value creation and value reduction in a service ecosystem. Our phenomenological study of the lived experiences of a local community surrounding a national park suggests a multiplicity of value evaluations that a service ecosystem might seed in response to tourism development. We tease out this multiplicity to provide valuable insights to design a holistic service ecosystem that initiates and nurtures purposeful value for the entire ecosystem.
  Keywords: tourism value paradox; institutional theory; service ecosystem; development logics; tradition logics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10069468
   
  
• How tourist motivations shape perceptions of service quality at pilgrimage sites  
  by Vaishali Singh, Anjan Bhuyan 
  Abstract: Previous research has not adequately examined how various tourist motivations affect perceived service quality at pilgrimage destinations. This study seeks to investigate the effect of various motives - religious pilgrimage, votive offerings, leisure, and meditation - on service quality perceptions at seven Jyotirlinga pilgrimage destinations in North India. A cross-sectional survey of 1047 visitors was carried out, and data were analysed through one-way ANOVA to determine significant differences between visitor groups. For multiple comparisons, Bonferroni and Games-Howell post hoc tests were used depending on the homogeneity of variances. The results show differences in service quality perceptions, specifically in desired facilities, safety and security, and transportation. Pilgrims interested in religious devotion emphasised safety, whereas leisure travellers gave more importance to the quality of facilities available and transportation. These findings have practical implications for pilgrimage site management, highlighting the importance of making targeted improvements in service delivery to meet the expectations of various visitor segments.
  Keywords: service quality; motivation; pilgrimage sites; motives; Jyotirlinga; religious tourism; pilgrimage tourism; pilgrimage.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10071026
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Tourism politics and mobilities: re-imagining equality and inclusion in Southern and West Africa’s urban tourism governance  
  by Regis Musavengane, Llewellyn Leonard, Pius Siakwah 
  Abstract: This paper analyses how politics and poverty shape urban tourism governance in selected Southern and West African cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on Accra (Ghana), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Johannesburg (South Africa). It examines the interplay between these factors, illustrating their impact on social inclusion, mobility, and economic recovery. Through document analysis, the study highlights how political decisions influenced urban tourism and restricted the participation of marginalised communities. The paper argues that politics significantly affected the unfolding of urban development and good governance strategies aimed at combating the pandemic. It also underscores that poverty profoundly influences how individuals respond to COVID-19 control measures, as those in lower socioeconomic situations struggle to meet their basic needs. In the post-pandemic recovery phase, governments must stimulate tourism by incorporating the voices of all stakeholders in the sector, both formal and informal.
  Keywords: tourism politics; mobilities; COVID-19; Southern and West African cities; urban tourism; Accra; Johannesburg; Harare.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10071701
   
  
• 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