We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Lewis Ting On Cheung has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Tourism and Hospitality (ISSN: 2673-5768). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this prestigious role.
Affiliation: York Business School, York St. John University, York, UK
Interests: ecotourism; nature-based tourism; sustainable tourism; protected area management; environmental social sciences
Prof. Dr. Lewis T.O. Cheung is a full professor in tourism and events management at York St. John University, UK. His research primarily focuses on nature-based tourism, exploring visitor attitudes and behaviors and their impacts on protected areas, alongside environmental studies. He has published extensively in international journals and serves on numerous advisory committees for protected area management and ecotourism development worldwide. Prof. Dr. Cheung's work bridges academic research with practical applications, aiming to promote sustainable practices within tourism and conservation.
The following is a Q&A with Prof. Dr. Lewis Ting On Cheung, who shared his vision for the journal with us, in addition to his views on the research field and open access publishing:
1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to become its Editor-in-Chief?
I was drawn to the journal’s commitment to advancing tourism and hospitality research, particularly in areas like sustainability, digital innovation, and industry resilience. Given my background in sustainable tourism and conservation, I see the journal as a crucial platform for bridging academic research with real-world applications. I am excited about the opportunity to shape the journal’s direction, ensuring that it publishes high-quality, impactful research that contributes to both academic knowledge and industry best practices.
2. What are your plans and vision for the journal?
My vision is to establish the journal as a leading publication in tourism and hospitality research, focusing on emerging global challenges and opportunities. I aim to enhance research impact, increase international visibility, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations. This includes encouraging high-quality submissions, supporting early-career researchers, and promoting open access initiatives. By maintaining rigorous editorial standards and ensuring that research reaches policymakers and industry professionals, the journal can serve as a key driver of innovation in sustainable tourism development.
3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of tourism and hospitality research will be shaped by sustainability, technology, resilience, and evolving traveler behavior. Areas like regenerative tourism, AI-driven tourism experiences, crisis management, and ethical tourism will gain increasing importance. With climate change, geopolitical shifts, and digitalization transforming the industry, research must be forward-thinking, solution-driven, and closely aligned with real-world needs. The focus will be on developing responsible, inclusive, and resilient tourism models that benefit both communities and the environment.
4. What do you think of the development of open access literature in the publishing field?
Open access publishing has revolutionized academic research, making knowledge more accessible to scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers worldwide. While it enhances visibility and global collaboration, challenges such as predatory journals, funding inequities, and quality control need to be addressed. The future lies in balancing accessibility with academic rigor, ensuring that high-quality research remains freely available while maintaining robust peer-review processes and ethical publishing standards.
We wish Prof. Dr. Lewis Ting On Cheung every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.
Tourism and Hospitality Editorial Office
