Tourism academia: a Horizon 2050 paper

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to chart the history of tourism academia and offer observations as to its future development in the 21st century. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a limited review of the literature and the personal reflections of the authors as its main approaches. Findings In reviewing the multi-generational history of tourism academia, it became apparent that whilst we have become a more scientifically rigorous community of scholars, a challenge for the academy going forward will be how best to cultivate a spirit of understanding among different parts of the academy when presented with viewpoints that do not appear to coalesce with one’s understanding of “truth”. Originality/value This paper contributes to scholarly debates over the history and future of tourism academia by challenging the academy to reflect critically on its increasing diversity and how to incorporate diverse viewpoints into the tourism knowledge canon.