Covered Research Areas

European Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Studies publishes research works devoted to quantitative, qualitative, and comparative exploration of tourism, hospitality, and related service industries. The journal emphasizes research concerned with issues or methods that are characteristic of both classical and contemporary disciplinary approaches; special consideration is given to procedures and methodologies historically rooted in one specific field—such as sociology, economics, marketing, or geography—but that may provide innovative insights when applied across broader tourism and hospitality contexts. The final scope of our publication is to gather research works that exemplify and demonstrate the use of diverse empirical methods and analytical procedures intended to test, refine, or challenge either established or emerging theories in tourism studies, destination management, service quality, sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and consumer behavior in the hospitality industry. Without being exhaustive, research articles, applied studies, short communications, and comparative investigations on the following areas of research and their related disciplines are highly encouraged:

  • Tourism Management: Tourism Management encompasses research and practices related to the strategic planning, sustainable development, and effective management of tourism destinations and related businesses. It involves optimizing resources, infrastructure, and services to enhance the overall tourist experience while considering economic, environmental, and socio-cultural impacts.
  • Hospitality Management: Hospitality Management involves a comprehensive analysis of strategies and tactics used in the management of various hospitality establishments, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other accommodations. This field focuses on ensuring quality service, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency within the hospitality sector.
  • Tourism Marketing: Tourism Marketing centers on the study of marketing strategies, campaigns, and promotional activities aimed at attracting tourists to specific destinations and services. It involves market research, advertising, branding, and digital marketing efforts designed to engage and influence potential travelers.
  • Cultural Tourism: Cultural Tourism is a specialized branch of tourism that explores travel experiences centered on cultural immersion, heritage preservation, and the exploration of local traditions. It focuses on facilitating authentic cultural interactions and encounters between tourists and host communities.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Sustainable Tourism encompasses research and practices aimed at promoting environmentally and socially responsible tourism. This field addresses issues such as reducing the ecological footprint of tourism, conserving natural resources, and ensuring that tourism benefits local communities while minimizing negative impacts.
  • Tourism Economics: Tourism Economics involves the analysis of the economic aspects of tourism, including its contributions to local, regional, and national economies. Researchers in this field study factors such as tourism's impact on employment, income generation, taxation, and economic development.
  • Tourist Behavior: Tourist Behavior explores the motivations, preferences, and decision-making processes of travelers. It delves into understanding why tourists choose specific destinations, activities, and accommodations, as well as how their choices are influenced by personal, cultural, and external factors.
  • Hospitality Operations: Hospitality Operations focuses on the day-to-day management and execution of tasks within hospitality businesses. This field covers various operational aspects, including guest services, staff management, facility maintenance, and food and beverage services, with the goal of ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery.
  • Tourism Policy and Planning: Tourism Policy and Planning involves research into government policies, regulations, and planning initiatives related to the tourism industry. This field examines how policies impact tourism development, sustainability, and infrastructure, as well as how they address issues such as visitor safety and cultural preservation.
  • Tourism and Technology: Tourism and Technology explores the integration of technological advancements, such as digital platforms, mobile apps, and information systems, into the tourism industry. Researchers in this field analyze how technology enhances the traveler experience, facilitates bookings, and influences destination marketing and management.
  • Tourism and the Sharing Economy: This field of study delves into the multifaceted relationship between the sharing economy and tourism. It investigates how sharing economy platforms, such as Airbnb and Uber, impact various aspects of the tourism industry. Researchers explore how these platforms influence traveler behavior, accommodation options, and local economies. Additionally, they assess the regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by the sharing economy in tourism.
  • Hotel and Restaurant Services: This area focuses on the critical aspects of service quality, guest satisfaction, and customer service within the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels and restaurants. Researchers examine the factors that contribute to exceptional guest experiences, including staff training, service delivery processes, and customer feedback mechanisms. They also explore the role of technology in enhancing service efficiency and guest engagement.
  • Tourism and Environmental Impact: This field conducts comprehensive investigations into the environmental consequences of tourism activities and assesses strategies to minimize or mitigate these impacts. Researchers study issues such as over-tourism, habitat degradation, waste management, and carbon emissions associated with tourism. Sustainable practices, eco-tourism initiatives, and destination planning for environmental preservation are also central areas of research.
  • Cruise Tourism: Cruise tourism research focuses on the cruise industry, encompassing the management of cruise ships and the experiences of passengers on board. Scholars in this field examine various aspects of the cruise industry, including ship design, safety protocols, marketing strategies, and the socio-cultural dynamics of cruise vacations. Topics may include cruise itineraries, passenger demographics, and the economic impact of cruise tourism in different regions.
  • Adventure Tourism: This area explores adventure and outdoor tourism activities, as well as their management. Researchers investigate a wide range of adventure experiences, such as hiking, rafting, safari tours, and extreme sports. They analyze the motivations and preferences of adventure travelers, safety measures, sustainability practices, and the economic significance of adventure tourism for both rural and urban destinations.
  • Tourism Education and Training: Tourism education and training research focuses on the development and effectiveness of educational programs designed to prepare professionals for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. This includes studying curriculum design, teaching methodologies, industry partnerships, and the evolving skill sets required by tourism professionals. Researchers aim to enhance the quality and relevance of tourism education.
  • Food and Beverage Management: In this field, researchers investigate the intricacies of food and beverage operations within the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and catering services. Studies encompass menu planning, culinary innovation, food safety standards, supply chain management, and customer dining experiences. Researchers also explore sustainability practices in food and beverage management.
  • Tourism and Transportation: This area of research analyzes transportation systems and their pivotal role in facilitating tourism accessibility. Scholars explore the impact of various transportation modes, such as air travel, railways, road networks, and public transit, on tourism flows. They assess factors like transportation infrastructure development, connectivity, and the convenience of travel for tourists.
  • Medical and Wellness Tourism: This niche field examines the diverse services and facilities within medical and wellness tourism. Researchers delve into medical tourism destinations, healthcare quality, patient satisfaction, and the ethical considerations surrounding medical travel. Additionally, they explore wellness retreats, spa tourism, and the holistic well-being experiences sought by travelers.
  • Heritage Tourism: Heritage tourism research centers on tourism activities related to historical sites, museums, cultural heritage, and preservation efforts. Scholars investigate the cultural significance of heritage tourism, visitor motivations, interpretation techniques, and the role of heritage tourism in promoting cultural understanding. Topics may also include heritage site management and community involvement in heritage tourism initiatives.
  • Tourism and Events Management: Tourism and Events Management involves the study and research of planning, organizing, and managing events within the context of the tourism sector. This field examines the intricacies of event management, from conceptualizing and designing events to their execution and evaluation, all with the aim of enhancing the overall tourism experience. Researchers in this area explore various types of events, such as festivals, conferences, and sports events, and their impact on attracting tourists, stimulating local economies, and contributing to the cultural fabric of destinations.
  • Luxury Tourism: Luxury Tourism is the comprehensive analysis of upscale and exclusive travel experiences and services that cater to affluent travelers seeking exceptional comfort, personalized services, and unique, high-end experiences. This segment of the tourism industry focuses on luxury accommodations, fine dining, exclusive tours, and other lavish amenities that provide tourists with a sense of opulence and indulgence. Researchers in this field delve into the preferences and motivations of luxury travelers, as well as the marketing strategies and trends that shape this niche within the broader tourism industry.
  • Tourism and Rural Development: Tourism and Rural Development explores the multifaceted relationship between tourism activities and their impact on rural economies and community development. Researchers in this area investigate how tourism can contribute to income generation, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, this field assesses the potential social and environmental consequences of tourism in rural regions and identifies strategies to ensure sustainable and responsible tourism practices that benefit both tourists and local communities.
  • Tourism and Crisis Management: Tourism and Crisis Management involves the study of preparedness and response strategies within the tourism industry when faced with unexpected crises or disasters, such as natural disasters, health emergencies, or political instability. This field examines how destinations, businesses, and governments can effectively manage and recover from crises while minimizing the negative impact on tourists and the tourism sector. Researchers investigate crisis communication, risk assessment, contingency planning, and recovery efforts to enhance the industry's resilience.
  • Tourism and Accessibility: Tourism and Accessibility focuses on the research and initiatives aimed at making tourism destinations, services, and experiences accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This field explores inclusive design, infrastructure modifications, and policy development to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations, can enjoy travel and tourism activities without discrimination. Researchers aim to create awareness of accessibility issues and promote universal design principles throughout the tourism industry.
  • Tourism and Social Media: Tourism and Social Media is the examination of how social media platforms and digital technologies influence tourism marketing and consumer behavior. Researchers in this field analyze the impact of social media in shaping tourists' decision-making processes, destination choices, and travel experiences. They explore strategies for effective social media marketing, user-generated content, online reviews, and the role of influencers in promoting tourism destinations and services in the digital age.
  • Hospitality Innovation: Hospitality Innovation involves the exploration of innovative practices, technologies, and trends within the hospitality sector. This field focuses on how hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses adapt to and adopt emerging technologies and innovative service delivery methods to enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiency, and remain competitive. Researchers investigate areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and guest-centric innovations shaping the future of hospitality.
  • Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Tourism and Cultural Exchange is the study of tourism as a means of fostering cultural exchange and cross-cultural understanding. This field examines how travel experiences facilitate interactions between tourists and host communities, leading to cultural enrichment and mutual learning. Researchers explore the impact of tourism on preserving cultural heritage, traditions, and indigenous knowledge while promoting respect and appreciation for diverse cultures.
  • Tourism and Economic Development: Tourism and Economic Development encompasses research on how tourism contributes to economic growth, job creation, and overall development of regions and countries. This field examines the economic impacts of tourism, including revenue generation, foreign exchange earnings, and investment opportunities. Researchers analyze the role of tourism in alleviating poverty, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable economic development in both developed and developing destinations.
  • Tourism and Community Engagement: Tourism and Community Engagement focuses on the examination of community involvement and sustainable tourism practices. Researchers in this field explore the ways in which local communities participate in and benefit from tourism activities. They investigate community-based tourism initiatives, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism practices that empower communities to actively engage with tourists while ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism development.