Rethinking Future Studies in Tourism and Hospitality: Critical Insights and Paradigm Shifts for a New Era

Dear Colleagues,

The future of tourism and hospitality is increasingly shaped by a wide range of complex factors, including environmental concerns, technological disruptions, shifting consumer values, and growing social responsibilities. As the world undergoes rapid transformation, the need to rethink the foundations of tourism and hospitality has become more urgent than ever before.

Thus, this Topic invites scholars to critically examine how the future of the industry can be envisioned and shaped in ways that are more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. It particularly encourages convergent and interdisciplinary perspectives that integrate insights from diverse domains such as sociology, environmental science, business, technology, cultural studies, and design.

Key areas of focus include not only the climate crisis and carbon neutrality but also the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies such as AI and automation; the growing significance of ethical, value-driven consumption; and the increasing diversity of consumer needs and expectations in travel behavior.

This Topic also welcomes contributions that challenge and expand traditional tourism concepts, calling for interdisciplinary approaches that draw from fields such as sociology, philosophy, technology, business, and environmental studies.

As tourism continues to evolve, there is a clear need to explore how it can align more closely with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and contribute not only to economic growth but also to social inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and community well-being.

By rethinking the future through ecological, technological, ethical, social, and economic lenses, this Topic aims to inspire new paradigms and practices that will shape tourism and hospitality as a field, an industry, and a driver of positive change.

Topics of Interest

• Critical approaches to future studies in tourism and hospitality;
• Sustainable and regenerative tourism futures;
• Carbon-neutral tourism and climate-conscious strategies;
• AI, automation, and technology’s impact on tourism labor and experience;
• Interdisciplinarity and convergence;
• Ethical consumption and value-driven travel;
• Shifting consumer behaviors, values, and lifestyle trends;
• Interdisciplinary methodologies for future scenario planning;
• Tourism through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.

Prof. Dr. Yeong Gug Kim
Prof. Dr. Jellna Chung
Dr. Tulsi Paudel
Topic Editors