examples of research topics in tourism

200+ Best Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

“Interested in Tourism Research Topics for College Students? Tourism involves exploring different places, and it’s a popular subject for college studies. There are many exciting topics for students to research, like how we can travel responsibly, preserving cultural heritage, and how technology affects our travel experiences.

In this article, we’ll discuss various interesting research topic ideas for college students. Whether it’s about sustainable travel, keeping traditions alive, or how places are promoted to visitors, there’s a lot to discover. Let’s explore these topics together and see how they can help us understand the world of tourism better.

Table of Contents

What Is Tourism Research Topics?

Tourism research covers a lot of ground. Students and experts study different tourism topics to get a handle on how travel and hospitality work and how we can make them better. Some specific topics people dig into:

• How can we make tourism greener and more sustainable? This includes looking at the environmental impact of flights, cruise ships, hotels, etc.
• Cultural tourism – like understanding how tourism affects local arts, traditions, ways of life positively and negatively.
• Medical tourism – people traveling for cheaper healthcare.
• Adventure tourism – researching the thrill-seeking niche.
• Hospitality management – running hotels, airport logistics, etc. Behind the scenes.
• Marketing destinations and travel deals.
• Jobs and money – how tourism boosts or harms local economies.
• Tourism laws and policies – smart regulations?
• How technology is changing tourism – apps, VR trips, automation.

Basically, tourism research helps us get tourism. From green dream trips to mega resorts. Students pick topics to dive deep into all aspects of this giant industry and recommend future improvements. The goal is to pick up knowledge that helps people in the real world.

How Do I Find The Right Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students?

Here are some tips for college students on finding good travel and tourism research topic ideas:

1. Think About Your Interests

• What aspects of tourism are you most passionate about? Sustainability? Cultural preservation? Economics? Identify your interests first.

2. Look at Emerging Tourism Trends

• Explore rising issues like over-tourism, technology, and health and wellness trips. Researching a hot topic can be highly relevant.

3. Consult the Experts

• Ask your professors, librarians, and department advisors about gaps in current research. Finding an understudied niche can lead to great opportunities.

4. Scan Academic Journals

• Look at recent journals to see tourism topics other scholars are investigating. This can provide inspiration.

5. Consider Accessibility

• Can you realistically research this topic based on your location, budget, and resources? Localized tourism allows for interviews, surveys, and site visits.

6. Define a Specific Focus

• “Sustainable Tourism Strategies in Jamaica” is better than “Sustainability in Tourism.” Dig into a particular, well-defined angle.

7. Search Tourism Example Research Topics

• Look at other schools’ research prompts and samples for ideas. Discover what issues scholars tackle.

8. Make it Interdisciplinary

• Combine tourism with disciplines like business, anthropology, or communications for intriguing intersections.

What Are Some Good Topics Related To Tourism And Hospitality For My Thesis?

Here are some potential thesis topics related to tourism and hospitality presented in a table format:

List of 200+ Best Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

Here are the tourism research topics ideas for college students:

Sustainable Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Sustainable tourism practices and their impact on local economies
• Ecotourism: Balancing conservation and visitor experience
• Green initiatives in the hotel industry: A case study analysis
• Community-based tourism for sustainable development
• The role of government policies in promoting sustainable tourism
• Assessing the carbon footprint of popular tourist destinations
• Wildlife conservation and its influence on tourism strategies
• Sustainable transportation in the tourism sector
• The economic benefits of sustainable tourism in developing countries
• Evaluating the effectiveness of eco-certifications in the tourism industry

Cultural Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Impact of cultural festivals on tourism in different regions
• Heritage tourism: Preserving the past for future generations
• Cultural exchange programs and their contribution to tourism
• Role of museums and galleries in promoting cultural tourism
• Cultural diversity and its influence on tourist preferences
• The impact of indigenous tourism on local communities
• Revitalization of cultural heritage sites for tourism purposes
• Cultural differences in tourist behavior: A cross-cultural analysis
• The role of technology in preserving and promoting cultural heritage
• Religious tourism: Pilgrimages and their significance in the modern era

Medical Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Factors influencing the growth of medical tourism
• The impact of globalization on medical tourism trends
• Quality assessment in international healthcare services for medical tourists
• The role of advertising in attracting medical tourists to specific destinations
• Ethical considerations in medical tourism: A case study approach
• Economic implications of medical tourism for destination countries
• Integrating traditional and modern medicine in medical tourism destinations
• Medical tourism and its effect on local healthcare infrastructure
• Patient satisfaction in medical tourism: A comparative study
• Legal and regulatory challenges in the medical tourism industry

Adventure Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Risk management in adventure tourism activities
• Extreme sports tourism: Trends and challenges
• Adventure tourism and its impact on local ecosystems
• Psychological aspects of adventure tourism: A case study approach
• Adventure tourism marketing strategies in the digital age
• Cultural sensitivity in adventure tourism: A comparative analysis
• Community involvement in the development of adventure tourism destinations
• The role of technology in enhancing the adventure tourism experience
• Adventure tourism and its potential for community empowerment
• Adventure tourism and the concept of responsible travel

Dark Tourism Research Paper Topics & Ideas For College Students

• Motivations of Tourists Visiting Dark Tourism Sites
• Ethical considerations in dark tourism: A critical analysis
• Dark tourism and its impact on local communities
• The role of media in shaping perceptions of dark tourism destinations
• Historical preservation vs. commercialization in dark tourism
• Visitor experiences at war memorial sites: A comparative study
• Dark tourism and the representation of traumatic events
• The impact of guided tours on the interpretation of dark tourism sites
• Psychosocial effects of dark tourism on visitors
• Tourism and the commemoration of tragic events: A global perspective

Hospitality Management Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Trends in Hotel management: A Case Study Analysis
• The impact of online reviews on hotel bookings
• Employee satisfaction in the hospitality industry
• Technology adoption in hospitality services: Challenges and opportunities
• Sustainable practices in hotel operations
• The role of leadership in ensuring quality service in hotels
• Customer loyalty programs in the hospitality sector
• Impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry: A case study approach
• Innovations in hotel design and architecture
• Cross-cultural communication in the Hospitality Workforce

Tourism Marketing Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Digital marketing strategies for tourism destinations
• Social media influence on travel decision-making
• Destination branding: A case study of successful campaigns
• The role of influencers in promoting tourist destinations
• Event marketing and its impact on tourism
• Sustainable tourism marketing: Communicating green initiatives
• Niche tourism markets: Identifying and targeting specific segments
• Cultural sensitivity in international tourism marketing
• The impact of celebrity endorsements on destination popularity
• The role of technology in personalized tourism marketing

Economic Impact of Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Economic benefits of mega-events for host cities
• Tourism as a catalyst for rural economic development
• The role of small businesses in the tourism supply chain
• Economic diversification through tourism in developing countries
• The impact of tourism on income distribution in local communities
• Tourism taxation and its effects on destination competitiveness
• The role of infrastructure development in attracting tourism investments
• Economic resilience of tourist destinations in times of crisis
• Measuring the economic impact of cultural events on tourism
• Economic indicators and their correlation with tourism growth

Tourism Policy and Planning Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Analyzing the effectiveness of national tourism policies
• Community involvement in tourism planning and decision-making
• Tourism master plans and their implementation challenges
• Sustainable tourism development in protected areas
• Crisis management in tourism: Lessons from past events
• The role of public-private partnerships in tourism development
• Urban planning and its impact on tourism in major cities
• The influence of global events on destination planning
• Accessibility and its role in tourism destination development
• Stakeholder collaboration in regional tourism planning

Tourism and Technology Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Augmented reality in enhancing tourist experiences
• The role of artificial intelligence in personalized travel recommendations
• Big data analytics in tourism: Challenges and opportunities
• The impact of virtual reality on destination marketing
• Smart tourism destinations: Integrating technology for sustainable growth
• Blockchain technology in improving tourism security
• Mobile applications and their role in enhancing the tourist experience
• Online travel agencies and their impact on traditional tourism businesses
• The role of chatbots in customer service in the tourism industry
• Social media analytics for measuring tourism destination popularity

Tourism and Climate Change Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Climate change adaptation strategies for coastal tourism destinations
• Carbon offset programs in the travel industry
• The impact of climate change on winter tourism
• Sustainable transportation and its role in reducing tourism-related emissions
• Climate change awareness among tourists: A global perspective
• Green infrastructure in tourism destinations to mitigate climate change effects
• The role of tourism in raising awareness about climate change
• Sustainable energy practices in the hospitality sector
• Climate change and its influence on tourist behavior
• Policy measures for climate-resilient tourism development

Tourism Education and Training Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Curriculum development for tourism and hospitality programs
• The role of experiential learning in tourism education
• Internship programs and their impact on student preparedness for the industry
• The effectiveness of online learning in tourism education
• Industry-academia collaboration in shaping tourism curricula
• Soft skills development for success in the tourism sector
• Role of mentorship in career development in the tourism industry
• Diversity and inclusion in tourism education
• Lifelong learning in the ever-evolving tourism industry
• Bridging the gap between academia and industry in tourism education

Tourism and Cross-Cultural Communication Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Language barriers and their impact on tourist experiences
• Cultural sensitivity in tourism marketing materials
• Cross-cultural communication challenges in the hospitality sector
• Cultural exchange programs and their influence on intercultural understanding
• Role of interpreters in enhancing cross-cultural communication in tourism
• The impact of cultural training for tourism professionals
• Addressing stereotypes in cross-cultural interactions in tourism
• Cross-cultural negotiation in the tourism industry
• Tourist expectations and cross-cultural encounters
• Cultural adaptation strategies for tourism businesses in foreign markets

Tourism and Risk Management Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Crisis communication in the tourism industry
• Risk assessment in adventure tourism activities
• Emergency preparedness in tourist destinations
• The role of insurance in mitigating tourism-related risks
• Crisis management and its impact on destination image
• Cybersecurity threats in the tourism sector
• Health and safety standards in the tourism industry
• Natural disaster preparedness for tourist destinations
• The psychological impact of perceived risks on tourist behavior
• Legal aspects of risk management in the tourism industry

Tourism and Social Media Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Influencer marketing in the tourism industry
• The impact of user-generated content on destination perception
• Social media and crisis communication in the tourism sector
• Instagrammability and its influence on travel decisions
• The role of social media in promoting sustainable tourism practices
• Online reputation management for tourist destinations
• Social media analytics for measuring destination competitiveness
• The use of virtual tours on social media platforms
• Hashtag campaigns and their effectiveness in destination marketing
• The influence of online communities on travel behavior

Accessible Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Inclusive tourism: Addressing the needs of travelers with disabilities
• Accessible transportation options for tourists with mobility challenges
• Universal design in tourism infrastructure
• The role of technology in enhancing accessibility for tourists
• Inclusive marketing strategies for accessible tourism destinations
• Training programs for tourism professionals on accommodating diverse needs
• Legal frameworks and regulations for accessible tourism
• Accessible tourism and its impact on destination competitiveness
• Innovative solutions for making tourist attractions more inclusive
• Community engagement in promoting accessible tourism

Rural Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• The role of agritourism in rural economic development
• Challenges and opportunities in promoting rural tourism
• Cultural preservation in rural tourism destinations
• Community-based tourism initiatives in rural areas
• The impact of technology on rural tourism experiences
• Sustainable agriculture practices in rural tourism development
• The role of festivals and events in attracting tourists to rural areas
• Rural homestays and their contribution to local economies
• Ecological and cultural sustainability in rural tourism
• The role of local communities in shaping rural tourism policies

Film Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• The influence of movies and TV shows on travel decisions
• Film-induced tourism and its economic impact
• Movie location tours and their popularity among tourists
• The role of film festivals in promoting tourism destinations
• Collaborations between the film industry and tourism boards
• Celebrity endorsement and its impact on destination popularity
• Cultural representation in films and its influence on tourism
• Film-inspired marketing campaigns for tourist destinations
• Challenges and benefits of managing film tourism impacts
• The role of social media in promoting destinations featured in films

Tourism and Event Management Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Event tourism: Economic impacts and challenges
• Festival management and its role in Destination Branding
• The impact of mega-events on local communities
• Sustainable practices in event management for tourism
• Event sponsorship and its influence on destination promotion
• Cultural and historical events as tourist attractions
• Crisis management in the context of event tourism
• Technology integration in event planning for tourism
• Event tourism and its role in community development
• Evaluating the success of events in achieving tourism objectives

Volunteer Tourism Research Topics Ideas For College Students

• Motivations and expectations of volunteer tourists
• Ethical considerations in volunteer tourism programs
• The impact of volunteer tourism on local communities
• Volunteer tourism and its contribution to sustainable development
• Skill development through volunteer tourism experiences
• Challenges in managing volunteer tourism projects
• Cultural sensitivity in volunteer tourism initiatives
• Volunteer tourism and its potential for cross-cultural understanding
• Volunteer tourism as a tool for promoting responsible travel
• Evaluating the long-term impact of volunteer tourism on participants and host communities

100+ Most Interesting And Recent Tourism Research Topics Pdf

Here are the tourism research topics ideas for college students pdf:

Good Research Title For Tourism Students

Here are some suggested tourism research title ideas that college students could explore, presented in a table format:

Tourism research topics ideas for college students open doors to a world of possibilities. These topics offer diverse info, ranging from sustainable tourism practices to the influence of social media on travel decisions. As college students, these ideas provide a roadmap for investigation and discovery.

Diving into sustainable tourism, students can unravel the impacts of eco-certifications or delve into the economic benefits of green initiatives. Cultural tourism beckons with topics like heritage preservation and the role of museums in attracting visitors. For those interested in the intersection of healthcare and travel, medical tourism topics explore factors influencing its growth and ethical considerations.

The good tourism topics the daring, touching on risk management and the psychological aspects of extreme sports. Delving into the unique realm of dark tourism, students can examine visitor motivations and ethical concerns. Hospitality management topics invite exploration of trends, online reviews, and hotel leadership roles.

From tourism marketing to economic impacts and policy planning, these ideas are the best ideas for students to explore, offering academic enrichment and real-world implications for the industry. As students work on their research endeavors, these simple yet profound topics hold the potential to shape their understanding of the dynamic and evolving field of tourism.

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Tourism Management Research Project Examples

In my recent post ‘ how to get inspiration for your research project topic ’ I gave lots of tips on way to think of a great research project idea that suits you. In this post I will give you some tourism management research project examples to give you some guidance on what makes a suitable research project topic .

Remember, you can use a hypothesis or a research question, you will find examples of both below. Visit this post for more on the difference between a research question and a hypothesis .

Tourism management is a broad subject and you have the flexibility to explore a wide numbers of areas that interest you. Here are some previous topics that I have supervised to give you an idea of a suitable tourism management research project topic:

• Perception and attitude towards ecotourism in Albania among tourists .
• Does ecotourism economically benefit local communities: The Case Study of Nicaragua .
• Sustainable tourism practices in developing countries.
• The role of destination management organisation in promoting tourism in the European Union .
• Prices versus the environment: An analysis of consumer motivations.
• The sustainability practices within Formula One tourism.
• Why do young tourists prefer dynamic packaging to traditional package holidays?
• What can be done to help the fragile ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands’ endangered plant and animal species?
• Does visiting a site of suffering and death socially and commercially benefit local communities?
• Perception and attitude of tourists towards the Jack the Ripper site.
• The ethics of dark tourism in Cambodia.
• Perception and attitude of foreign tourists towards the Edinburgh Dungeon.
• How to develop a marketing plan for the London Dungeon.
• Why do customers choose leisure hotels when they plan overseas holidays?
• Perception and attitude of British customers toward the Hilton Hotel in London.
• The impact of hotel brand on consumer choice in the UK.
• Examining the implications of the Internet towards online travel agents: The case study of Lastminute.com.
• The growth of the easy brand and its’ impact on market share.
• Examining perception and attitude of British customers towards online travel agents.
• Motivations for solo travel amongst millennials.
• Perception and attitude of millennials toward cruise holidays.
• Perception and attitude of tourist experiencing the sex economy in Thailand .
• Role of global terrorism in shaping the image of tourism destinations – Case study of Egypt .
• Perception and attitude toward Beijing’s world heritage tour among British tourists.
• Use of sporting events to develop tourism branding – Analysis of Qatar with regards to the FIFA World Cup.
• Perception and attitude toward extreme plastic surgery makeovers in South Asia among British customers.
• Emergence of Poland as medical tourism destination.
• How British customers choose medical tourism destinations for dental tour packages.
• Perception and attitude of international students towards work and study in the UK.
• The impacts of a gap year on skills and competencies in the workplace

Things to remember when choosing your tourism management research project topic

Whilst you might like the sound of some of the tourism management research project examples given above, remember that they might not always be feasible. Here are a list of things to consider:

• Can I gain access to the respondents that I will need?
• Can I complete this research project given the word count?
• Can I complete this research project given the time-frame?
• Is this research project realistic in terms of access (i.e. if you need to travel to a particular destination, is this possible?)
• Am I able to develop a conceptual framework to form a literature review?
• Is this a topic that is worthy of investigation?

For more guidance on writing your research project you might be interested in my posts how to write awesome aims and objectives and the difference between a research question and a hypothesis .  I also recommend that you use some of the excellent research methods books available to you- I recommend Social Research Methods by Bryman and Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners by Kumar . 

Do you have any good tourism management research project examples? I’d love to hear them- drop them in the comments box below!

Click here to place an order for topic brief service to get instant approval from your professor.

Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics Ideas

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating academic journey delving into Tourism Dissertation Topics? Selecting the perfect topic can seem daunting but fear not! With the boundless opportunities within the realm of tourism, crafting your dissertation can be an exciting endeavor.

Tourism research topics encompass a diverse array of captivating subjects, ranging from the exploration of distinct hospitality styles to the immersion in delectable cuisines, cultural customs, accommodations, travel services, entertainment hubs, and vibrant musical events. With such rich content, students can draw inspiration from their own travel experiences, infusing their research with personal anecdotes and insights.

Consider the staggering growth of international tourist arrivals, as evidenced by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, which surged by an impressive 7% in 2010, reaching an astounding 940 million. This statistic underscores the undeniable relevance and immense potential for growth within the tourism industry, making it an ideal avenue for your academic exploration.

Whether you’re intrigued by the allure of exotic destinations or fascinated by the intricacies of tourism management, there’s a wealth of opportunities awaiting your exploration. Let’s transform your dissertation into an extraordinary voyage of discovery, where every topic you delve into unlocks new insights and enriches your understanding of this dynamic field. Get ready to embark on an exciting academic adventure as we explore captivating tourism research topics together!

Table of Contents

Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas to Take You Out of Dissertation Writing Nightmare

Unlock the excitement of selecting tourism research topics, accommodation tourism dissertation topics:.

• The Impact of Boutique Hotels on Tourist Experience: A Comparative Study
• Sustainable Practices in Eco-Lodges: Balancing Environmental Conservation with Guest Comfort
• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Hotel Design: Enhancing Accommodation Options for Persons with Disabilities
• The Rise of Airbnb: Disrupting Traditional Accommodation Models and its Implications for Local Communities
• Luxury Camping: Exploring the Growing Trend of Glamping and Its Influence on Tourism Experiences

Food and Beverage Services:

• Culinary Tourism: Analyzing the Influence of Local Cuisine on Tourist Destination Choices
• Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences: Evaluating the Sustainability and Authenticity of Locally Sourced Food in Tourism
• Food Tourism in Urban Settings: Exploring Food Tours and Gastronomic Adventures in Metropolitan Areas
• Food Trucks and Street Food Culture: Impact on Destination Image and Visitor Satisfaction
• Allergen Management in Hospitality: Strategies for Ensuring Safe Dining Experiences for Guests with Food Allergies

Recreation and Entertainment:

• Adventure Tourism and Risk Management: Balancing Thrills with Safety Measures in Extreme Sports Activities
• Cultural Festivals as Tourism Attractions: Assessing Their Role in Destination Marketing and Community Development
• Virtual Reality Experiences in Tourism: Examining Their Potential to Enhance Visitor Engagement and Satisfaction
• Sustainable Theme Parks: Strategies for Minimizing Environmental Footprint and Maximizing Social Benefits
• Urban Exploration Tourism: Investigating the Phenomenon of “Ruin Tourism” and Its Ethical Considerations

Transportation:

• High-Speed Rail Tourism: Assessing the Impact of Train Travel on Tourism Patterns and Destination Accessibility
• Electric Vehicles in Tourism: Exploring Sustainable Transportation Options for Tourists in Urban Areas
• Cruise Tourism and Destination Development: Analyzing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Port Infrastructure Expansion
• Micro-Mobility Solutions for Tourists: Evaluating the Role of Scooter Sharing and Bike Rentals in Urban Tourism
• Airport Design and Passenger Experience: Enhancing Airport Facilities to Improve Tourist Satisfaction and Destination Competitiveness

Travel Services:

• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Destination Marketing: Investigating the Role of Digital Platforms in Tourism Promotion
• Peer-to-Peer Travel Platforms: Examining the Sharing Economy’s Impact on Traditional Travel Services
• Sustainable Tour Operator Practices: Strategies for Reducing Environmental Impact and Supporting Local Communities
• Wellness Tourism and Spa Services: Understanding Tourist Preferences for Health and Wellness Experiences
• Travel Insurance in Tourism: Assessing the Importance of Comprehensive Coverage for Tourists’ Peace of Mind

Ecotourism:

• Community-Based Ecotourism Initiatives: Evaluating Their Effectiveness in Promoting Conservation and Socio-Economic Development
• Wildlife Watching Tourism: Balancing Conservation Goals with Tourist Satisfaction in Natural Habitats
• Ecotourism Certification Programs: Assessing Their Role in Ensuring Environmental Responsibility and Quality Assurance
• Indigenous Tourism and Cultural Preservation: Exploring Indigenous-led Ecotourism Enterprises and Their Contribution to Cultural Heritage Conservation
• Marine Ecotourism: Examining Sustainable Practices for Diving and Snorkeling Activities in Coral Reefs and Marine Sanctuaries

Dark Ecotourism:

• Thana tourism: Exploring Tourist Interest in Dark Tourism Sites Related to Death and Tragedy
• Disaster Tourism: Understanding Visitor Motivations and Ethical Considerations in Visiting Areas Affected by Natural Disasters
• War Tourism: Analyzing the Heritage Tourism Potential of Battlefields and War Memorials
• Prison Tourism: Examining the Growing Interest in Visiting Historical and Active Prisons as Tourist Attractions
• Nuclear Tourism: Investigating Tourist Interest in Visiting Sites Associated with Nuclear Disasters and Energy Production

Hospitality:

• Employee Turnover in Hospitality: Exploring Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Retention in the Hospitality Industry
• Personalization in Hospitality Services: Implementing Customized Experiences to Enhance Guest Satisfaction and Loyalty
• Hotel Revenue Management Strategies: Optimizing Pricing and Inventory to Maximize Profitability
• Service Quality in Luxury Hospitality: Assessing the Importance of Attention to Detail and Personalized Service Delivery
• Diversity and Inclusion in Hospitality Workforce: Promoting Equality and Equity in Hiring and Advancement Practices

Tourism Management:

• Crisis Management in Tourism: Developing Resilience Strategies for Coping with Unforeseen Events
• Destination Governance Models: Analyzing Public-Private Partnerships in Tourism Development and Management
• Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning: Integrating Environmental, Social, and Economic Considerations
• Tourism Carrying Capacity: Implementing Measures to Ensure Sustainable Visitor Management and Environmental Protection
• Tourism Education and Workforce Development: Addressing Skills Gaps and Training Needs in the Tourism Industry

Tourism Marketing:

• Destination Branding Strategies: Creating Unique and Memorable Brand Identities to Attract Tourists
• Digital Marketing Trends in Tourism: Leveraging Social Media, Influencer Marketing, and Content Strategies to Reach Target Audiences
• Niche Tourism Market Segmentation: Identifying and Targeting Specific Market Segments for Tailored Marketing Campaigns
• Destination Image and Perception Management: Strategies for Shaping Tourist Perceptions and Overcoming Negative Stereotypes
• Sustainable Tourism Marketing: Communicating Environmental and Social Responsibility Initiatives to Eco-Conscious Travelers
• More  What are some good thesis topics in tourism marketing?

Sport Tourism Dissertation Topics:

• Mega Sporting Events and Destination Development: Assessing the Legacy Effects of Hosting Events like the Olympics or FIFA World Cup
• Adventure Sports Tourism: Exploring the Growing Popularity of Activities like Rock Climbing, Surfing, and Mountain Biking in Tourist Destinations
• Golf Tourism: Analyzing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Golf Resorts and Tournaments on Local Communities
• Sports Event Management: Strategies for Planning and Executing Successful Sporting Events to Attract Tourists and Enhance Destination Image
• Health and Wellness Tourism: Investigating the Role of Sports and Fitness Facilities in Attracting Health-Conscious Travelers to Resorts and Spas
• More Sports Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas

Sustainable Tourism Dissertation Topics:

• Community-Based Tourism Enterprises: Assessing Their Contribution to Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas
• Ecological Footprint Analysis of Tourist Activities: Measuring and Mitigating Environmental Impact in Popular Tourist Destinations
• Certification Programs for Sustainable Tourism: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Labels like Green Globe and EarthCheck in Promoting Responsible Travel
• Wildlife Conservation and Tourism: Balancing Visitor Experience with Wildlife Protection in Natural Reserves and Parks
• Responsible Tourism Education and Awareness: Strategies for Engaging Tourists and Industry Stakeholders in Sustainable Practices and Ethical Behavior
• More Sustainable Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas

Travel and Tourism Dissertation Topics:

• Cultural Heritage Tourism: Examining the Preservation and Promotion of Historical Sites, Museums, and Cultural Festivals as Tourist Attractions
• Medical Tourism: Understanding the Motivations and Experiences of Travelers Seeking Healthcare Services Abroad
• Volunteer Tourism (Voluntourism): Analyzing the Benefits and Challenges of Volunteer Programs for Local Communities and Tourists
• Culinary Tourism: Exploring Food and Wine Tours, Cooking Classes, and Culinary Festivals as Tourism Experiences
• Film Tourism: Investigating the Influence of Movies and TV Shows on Destination Choice and Visitor Behavior, and Strategies for Destination Marketing Utilizing Film Locations
• More Travel and Tourism Dissertation Topics Ideas

Tourism Research Proposal Topics Ideas for college students.

So here are some of the tourism research proposal topics and ideas that will you find a theme for your project.

• Attitude towards eco-tourism in Scotland among British tourists
• Implications of the internet in the development of ecotourism
• Is ecotourism better than Europe in other parts of the world?
• Factors that are affecting ecotourism buying behavior
• Integrated marketing communications to ecotourism in the United States of America
• Developing a marketing plan for the London dungeon
• Man-made dark tourism sites: the perception and attitude of Europeans
• All about Jack, the ripper site
• Is it socially good to visit a site of suffering and death by the local communities?
• Factors affecting the customer buying behavior of dark tourism in the United States of America
• Hospitality in religion
• The effects of globalization on the international hospitality industry
• The role of hospitality in the development of a country
• Is marketing the only thing responsible for building the international hospitality industry in New York?
• The internet revolution and hospitality
• The death of tourism and hospitality in Asia
• How tsunami affected the tourism industry of Phuket, Thailand?
• How to remove the negative and bad reputation of Amsterdam using integrated marketing communication?
• How to motivate people to visit and stay at the Marriot hotel in Dubai ?
• Is South Asia the best tourist destination in winter times?
• Bangkok as a winter holiday destination
• Educational tourism program – how to make it.
• Why do British students prefer cultural exchange programs in the US?
• Why do international students prefer the UK as the best education destination in the world?
• Comparison of the British with an American student
• International education tourist programs and the contribution of British students to promote them.
• Can a high volume of tourists have a negative effect on Switzerland’s environment?
• What can be done to revitalize the tourism industry in Pakistan?
• Tourist trap: A menace or a blessing?
• In-depth analysis of any country’s tourism industry
• Factors Influencing Visitor’s Choices to Visit Urban Destinations
• Government instability. When a place is suffering from political problems, it will drive tourists away.
• How have high prices affected tourism in London?
• Does Swansea have the potential in becoming the new ecotourism destination of the UK?
• Do British customers prefer international ecotourism rather than British ecotourism?
• Examining the implications of the Internet on the growth of ecotourism
•  How to promote Beaumaris-Prison in Anglesey, Wales, as a new dark-tourism site in the UK.
• Factors affecting British customers when choosing dark-tourism sites in foreign countries.
• How to develop a marketing plan for London-Dungeon.
• How to make Mercat-Tour in Scotland a dark tourism site.
• The implications of the Tsunami on the tourism industry in Phuket, Thailand.
• Role of strategic human resource management in developing sustainable competitive advantage in contemporary budget hotel chains.
• What makes South-East Asia an attractive tourist destination during winter for British customers?
• The Role of the London Olympics in enhancing the scope of tourism to the city.
• Perception and attitude toward Beijing’s world-heritage tour among British tourists.

Hope these topics will help you come up with memorable tourism dissertations. Writing a dissertation on tourism can be fun as compared to other dissertations as you can write about any exotic place you are dying to visit.

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Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 10th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024

Introduction

As a tourism student, you will be required to study the basics of tourism, hospitality, and event management. Some important issues surrounding tourism include but are not limited to medicine, finance, culture, geography, and more.

We understand that choosing the right dissertation topic can be a bit overwhelming for you. Therefore,  our writers have provided a comprehensive list of topics for the tourism dissertation. These topics are recent, relevant, and exploratory enough for you to conduct a comprehensive research study.

We can even customise topics according to your needs. So, go through our list of dissertation topics, choose the one that interests you, and let us know if you would like any help from our writers.

Check our  dissertation example to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation  here.

Latest Tourism Research Topics 

Investigating how the tourism industry has taken green and sustainable measures- a case study of uk.

Research Aim: This study will investigate the various aspects of the UK tourism industry geared towards making green and sustainable measures for environmental benefits. It will also look into the consumer’s perspective towards green tourism and its positive and negative impacts on the tourism industry and the tourists. It also helps you better understand the concept of a green environment and its influence on the tourism industry.

Environmental Management Systems and their Implementation in the UK- A Systematic Review.

Research Aim: This study will explore the quality of environmental management systems, environmental performance, improvements, and implementation in the UK. We will focus on different companies with high environmental impacts and how they have improved the environment and the use of environmental management systems (EMS). This study will also look into how it has changed or influenced the hospitality industry.

Investigating the impact of Social Media Recommendations on Hotel Booking in the UK.

Research Aim: Social media is a part of every aspect of our daily life. This research will investigate the influence of social media on tourism and specifically on choosing a hotel; it will also help you evaluate if consumers perceive social media-based recommendations differently than more traditional sources of internet-based marketing. Qualitative research will be used in this, followed by thematic analysis to find the role of social media in recommendations and influencing consumers’ searches. This will help us better understand how VR makes decisions and hotel bookings.

Assessing the Impact of Virtual Reality on Tourism.

Research Aim: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology in tourism. This study will find the impact of virtual reality on the tourism industry. It will also investigate consumer behaviour towards it. We will better understand how VR has affected the tourism industry and significantly influenced the results. TAM research model will be developed to describe the nature of the 3D virtual world. It will also cover some psychological aspects to understand the consumer perspective.

Role of Social Media Marketing in deciding a Travel Destination- A Systematic Review.

Research Aim: This study investigates the role of social media marketing in deciding a travel destination. This study aims to find and understand how social media can achieve marketing objectives. Taking a quantitative approach, we will find the role of social media marketing and its effect on making travel choices through interviews and surveys. It will further explore the tourist’s perception, expectations, and experiences.

Investigating the Negative Impact of Travel Bans

Research Aim: This study explores the negative effects of travel bans on social, economic, cultural, and public health aspects. The study aims to analyse the repercussions of travel restrictions to inform policymaking. It will further investigate ways to avoid adverse consequences while promoting global mobility and cooperation. 

An Exploration of the Hospitality Industry Wages

Research Aim: To investigate the wage structures in the hospitality industry. This study explores factors influencing disparities and evaluates their implications. Insights will be provided on wage fairness, workplace satisfaction, gender discrimination, and industry competitiveness. It will also cover policies and practices to improve employee well-being and organisational performance.

Effects of Covid-19 on Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation Topics 

Topic 1: tourism after coronavirus pandemic - way forward for tourism and hospitality industry in the uk or any other country of your choice.

Research Aim: Tourism is a reason for most of the human mobility in the modern world. According to the World Tourism Organisation (2020), international tourism has indicated continuous growth for the tenth consecutive year, reporting 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals in 2019 and an estimated 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals by 2030 )people are forecasted to be. This particular research will focus on the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the tourism and hospitality industry in the United Kingdom or any other country of your choice.

Topic 2: Investigating the Long Term Effects of Prolonged and New Travel Restrictions on the UK Tourism Industry

Research Aim: Britain will require anyone entering the country to self-quarantine for two weeks, and other European countries are pondering similar measures, but the prospects of prolonged and even new travel restrictions are destroying what hopes the continent’s airlines and tourist industry have been harbouring of at least a partial coronavirus rebound. Can the tourism sector of the UK overcome these challenges?

Topic 3: Coronavirus: Dubai Tourism Insists Emirate's Hotel Sector is Healthy, Rejects Bloomberg Report but Is It Really the Case?

Research Aim: Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has denied a Bloomberg report about the emirate’s hospitality businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This research will employ primary research methodology to gather data from the key stakeholders of the Emirates hotel industry to assess whether or not the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is causing panic and financial damage to the hotel industry.

Topic 4: Will Easing the Travel Restrictions Benefit the UK Tourism Sector in the Short Term?

Research Aim: Many European countries, including the UK, are easing lockdown measures, including tourist destinations preparing for the summer. Cafes and restaurants in London and other cities hardest hit by the virus in the UK have opened two weeks behind the rest of the country. However, with most travellers preferring to stay home in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, how effective are these measures going to be?

Topic 5: Coronavirus outbreak: Caribbean Tourism Struggles as Visitors Stay Home

Research Aim: In the Caribbean, the government plans to require all visitors to undergo rapid Covid-19 testing upon entry. They hope provisions such as virus tests for all industry workers and socially distanced resort dining will make people feel comfortable travelling. This research study will explore whether the measures taken by the Caribbean government will actually encourage the visitors to leave the comfort of their home and travel in the midst of the Covid-19 Crisis.

Ecotourism and Community Participation Dissertation Topics 

Topic 1: online tourism agents and websites.

Research Aim: This research aims to study online tourism websites and travelling agents

Topic 2: Advances in Tourism and Hospitality Post-pandemic

Research Aim: This research aims to assess the advances in Tourism and Hospitality post-pandemic

Topic 3: Impacts of Social Distancing on Tourism Managements

Research Aim: This research aims to study the impacts of social distancing on tourism managements

Topic 4: Advances in Hotel Management Post-pandemic

Research Aim: This research aims to assess advances in Hotel management post-pandemic

Topic 5: The Linguistic Roots of the Word “Hospitality” across Different Languages

Research Aim: This research investigates the linguistic roots of the word hospitality across different languages and the semantic shifts over time.

Topic 6: The Relationship Between the Host and the Guest

Research Aim: This research explores the relationship between the host and the guest and how both need to act under laws and regulations.

Economic Conditions and Local Tourism Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: factors impacting destination selection for medical tourism.

Research Aim: Medical tourism is a growing trend. An increasing number of people travel to another country, seeking medical treatment which is expensive or unavailable on their own. Various factors impact the destination selection process for medical treatment purposes. The destination can be local or international. With limited evidence on the factors that impact destination selection for medical tourism, there is a need for a comprehensive study exploring these factors in detail.

Topic 2: Impact of Low budget Airline Services on Boosting International Tourism in Europe: A Case Study of Ryanair.

Research Aim: With increasing costs of air travelling, the demand for low-budget airline services is on the rise. Ryanair is one of the leading low-budget airline services based in the UK. Its cheap air tickets attract many regular travellers. Given this, the main aim of this research will be to explore whether or not low-budget airlines are actually helping to increase international tourism in Europe or not. This research will be conducted based on quantitative data which will be collected from a sample of Ryanair international tourism travellers.

Topic 3: Eco-friendly Practices and Their Effect on Hotel Selection Decision: A Case Study of UK Hospitality Industry.

Research Aim: Various technologies can be implemented to achieve eco-friendliness, such as; internet of things, automation technology, bamboo industrialisation, and sustainable building construction. On the other hand, eco-friendly practices include; water and energy conservation, renewable energy use, waste recycling and management, alternative plastic products, and more. Many hotels in the UK install solar panels and automated systems, which generate renewable energy and ensure complete automation for lights and water. It is worth evaluating how eco-friendly technologies and practices affect the hotel selection decision of guests in the UK hospitality industry.

Topic 4: How Economic Conditions of a Country Impact its Local Tourism: Identifying the Economic Factors Influencing the Tourism Sector.

Research Aim: Economic factors have a great impact on tourism. When a country is economically strong, it spends a great deal on tourism development. On the other hand, tourism could be adversely affected if a country is struggling with its finances. This research aims to investigate and critically analyse the economic factors which tend to affect the tourism sector of a country. The study will also weigh the economic upsides and downsides of these factors concerning local tourism.

Topic 5: Assessing the Impact of Social Media Platforms on Tourism Destination Selection.

Research Aim: These days, social media websites play a tremendous role for tourists in destination selection. The experiences and reviews that people share on online social platforms have a huge impact on making or breaking the future of any tourist destination. This research will analyze the role of different social media platforms in choosing tourism destinations among tourists. This research will also shed light on the rationale and factors people rely on social media to select their tourism destination.

Topic 6: Assessing the Impact of Government Rules, Regulations, and Policies on Tourism Development: A Case Study of Developing Countries.

Research Aim: The tourism sector of any country is greatly looked after by governmental and regulatory bodies. This research will analyze the role played by such bodies from the perspective of policymaking and regulation implementation. The study will also explore how the impact of policymaking and government regulations in developed countries might be different from that of developing countries.

Topic 7: Analysing the Impact of Natural Hazaresearch will measure the customer satisfaction of British lesbians after they have undergone gender reassignment at the Yanhee International Hospital in Bangkok.

Research Aim: Natural hazards can have a disastrous effect on the tourism industry of any country. The UK is one of the countries where the tourism industry has experienced huge success. Thus, this research will be carried out to analyze the impact of such hazards on the UK’s tourism sector.

Topic 8: Assessing the Factors and Preferences Impacting Tourist's Decisions to Travel to a Dark Tourism Site.

Research Aim: As a result of a shift in preferences of tourists and an urge to explore and learn, dark tourism has gained immense popularity and success in recent times. This research will explore the factors and reasons why tourists choose dark places as their tourism destination.

Topic 9: The Impact of Travel Bloggers and vloggers on the Tourism Industry.

Research Aim: Travel bloggers and vloggers are an important part of the tourism industry now. These people travel the world, document their experiences through their writing or videos, and influence people. Tourists throughout the world now depend on their reviews and choose their travel destinations accordingly. This research will aim to explore how these influencers have completely changed the tourism industry.

Educational Tourism Dissertation Topics

Tourism has gained tremendous popularity among academicians and researchers in recent times. Educational tourism primarily takes into consideration technical competencies and new knowledge gained outside the classroom environment.

Educational tourism brings to light the idea of travelling to learn about the cultures of other nations. Exchange student programmes are perhaps the most commonly employed educational tourism strategy, allowing students to learn about the culture of the host nation through research work and travel. Possible areas of research in this field of tourism for your dissertation are provided below;

Topic 1: Educational Tourism Programmes and the Popularity of Host Nations

Research Aim: This research will discuss the educational exchange programmes in detail and will also assess how educational tourism can add to the appeal of the host nations for prospective tourists.

Topic 2: Factors Affecting the Decision of British Students to Join International Student Exchange Programmes.

Research Aim: Even though student exchange programmes are popular throughout the world, there are certain countries where they are practised the most. This research will study one such country, the UK, concerning the factors that encourage British students to join international exchange programmes.

Topic 3: Factors Contributing Towards the Success of Work & Study Programmes in the UK

Research Aim: This research will analyse the factors that contribute towards the success of study programmes in the UK, i.e. benefits of studying in the UK and the attractiveness of the UK as a place to live and study.

Topic 4: To Analyse the Satisfaction of International Students Enrolled in Student Exchange Programmes in the UK

Research Aim: This research will cover an important topic, i.e., measure the satisfaction of international students enrolled in exchange programs in the UK – the same topic can be used for any other country such as the USA or Canada.

Topic 5: To Investigate Potential Marketing and Communication Tools to Promote “any country” as the Best Place to Pursue Higher Education.

Research Aim: This research will investigate and conclude the most successful marketing and communication tools that are used to promote exchange programmes in a particular country. The topic can be customised according to the country of your choice.

Topic 6: What are the factors Influencing British Students’ Decision to Join Academic Year Exchange Programme in Japan?

Research Aim: Japan is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to student exchange programmes. This research will assess the factors that influence a British student’s decision to go to Japan to pursue education.

Topic 7: To Examine the Popularity of Student Exchange Programmes Offered by Chinese-speaking Countries.

Research Aim: This research will explore the reasons for the popularity of student exchange programmes in countries where Chinese is the official language such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, etc.

Topic 8: To Investigate the Attitude and Perception of British Students toward Summer Camps.

Research Aim: Summer camps are extremely popular in the west. This research will explore the perceptions of British students towards summer camps and what motivates them to attend them.

Topic 9: Factors Affecting the Decision of University Students to Pursue a Placement Programme in the US?

Research Aim: This research will aim to understand the rationale of university students’ decisions to pursue placement programmes in the US,

Topic 10: To Examine the Satisfaction of University Students Returning from Cultural Exchange Programmes in the US.

Research Aim: This research will aim to understand the satisfaction of university students who are on their way back from exchange programmes in the US.

Medical Tourism Dissertation Topics

Medical tourism is a new area of study in the tourism industry. The gap in the prices of medical facilities available in developing and developed countries is significant, propelling many patients to travel to far destinations to benefit from economic, medical services.

Similarly, many financially well-off patients decide to have medical treatment in foreign countries with advanced and established medical systems that provide state-of-the-art medical facilities unavailable in their home countries.

Although there may be insufficient secondary data to analyse this tourism sub-topic, researching this area will prove to be interesting. You can choose your medical tourism dissertation topics from this list.

Topic 1: Investigating the Reasons Why British Citizens Travel to Different Countries for their Dental Procedures

Research Aim: This research will identify and discuss in detail the reasons why British citizens travel to different countries for dental treatment.

Topic 2: The efficacy of marketing and communication tools employed by Thai plastic surgery and extreme makeover service providers – An investigation into the attitude and perception of British travellers.

Research Aim: A large number of British citizens travel to Thailand for cosmetic and plastic surgeries. This research will aim to understand the attitudes and perceptions of British travellers who opt for these surgeries in a foreign country. The research will also assess the marketing and communication tools employed by Thai medical service providers.

Topic 3: To Identify and Discuss Critical Marketing Strategies to Promote a Weight Loss Centre in the UK.

Research Aim: This research will talk about the marketing strategies that are undertaken in the UK to promote weight loss centres.

Topic 4: Measuring Customer satisfaction of British Lesbians After Having Sex Reassignment at Yanhee International Hospital, Bangkok

Research Aim: This research will measure the customer satisfaction of British lesbians after they have undergone gender reassignment at the Yanhee International Hospital in Bangkok.

Topic 5: To Examine the Factors Influencing the Decisions of British Women to Buy Body Contour Tour Packages in East Asia.

Research Aim: This study will analyze the factors that influence the decision-making of British women when burying body contour tour packages in East Asia.

Topic 6: To Investigate the Extent to Which Swiss Weight Control Tour Packages Have Influenced Women in the UK.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the decision-making detriments of British Women who opt to purchase weight control tour packages in Switzerland.

Topic 7: How Young British Females Perceive Facial Lifting package Tours in East Asia?

Research Aim: This study will analyze how young British females perceive facial lifting package tours in East Asia.

Topic 8: To Understand and Discuss the Factors Affecting Buying Decisions to Benefit from Extreme Makeover Tour Packages in Eastern Europe.

Research Aim: This research will critically explore the factors that influence the buying decision of customers who purchase extreme makeover packages from Eastern Europe.

Topic 9: How Attractive are the Plastic Surgery Makeover Services to Female British Customers – A Qualitative Study

Research Aim: This research will understand and analyze the attractiveness of plastic surgery makeover services that influence British females to purchase them. The research will be descriptive in nature.

Topic 10: How Homosexual Men Choose Medical Tour Packages for Sex Reassignment.

Research Aim: This study will investigate gender reassignment tour packages that interest homosexual men and the factors influencing their decision-making process.

Tourism Management Dissertation Topics

Tourism management is perhaps the most interesting area of the tourism industry. It mainly involves travelling for the purpose of leisure and recreation. People travelling to other countries and outside their usual environment with the intent of leisure can be classified as tourists.

It should be noted that the phenomenon of tourism has grown tremendously in recent years, thanks to the impact of globalisation. There are many countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, and Fiji, whose largest source of income is tourism. In these countries, tourism generates huge revenue for the government and also provides employment opportunities for the working class as well as businesses.

The suggestions below can help you to narrow your research for your tourism dissertation.

Topic 1: How British Tourists Perceive Chinese World Heritage Tour – A Qualitative Study

Research Aim: This research will focus on how British tourists perceive Chinese heritage and what compels them to visit China.

Topic 2: Exploring the Factors that Make London the Most Popular Destination for Christmas Shopping

Research Aim: This research will analyse and explore the various factors that promote London as one of the most attractive destinations for Christmas shopping.

Topic 3: Investigating the Underlying Factors that British Citizens Consider when Choosing a Destination for Their Winter Holidays.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the various factors that British citizens consider and evaluate when choosing a destination for their winter vacations.

Topic 4: An Analysis of Factors Affecting Employees’ Motivation in Luxury Hotels of Dubai.

Research Aim: This research will study the factors influencing employee motivation in luxury and five-star hotels in Dubai. The study will make use of secondary data and primary research to establish the exact factors that motivate employees to work for luxury hotels in Dubai.

Topic 5: How the Tourism Industry of Thailand Responded to the Tsunami.

Research Aim: This study will dive into the past to establish how the Thai tourism industry responded to Tsunami.

Visit our topics database to view 100s of dissertation topics in your research area.

Topic 6: Factors Influencing British Customers’ Decisions of Purchasing Egypt Tour Packages.

Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that British citizens consider when planning their holiday to Egypt.

Topic 7: Attitude and Perception of British Tourists Toward Thailand as a Winter Holiday Destination

Research Aim: This study will research why the British choose Thailand as their winter holiday destination.

Topic 8: The Increasing Popularity of Cruise Travel in South Africa Among British Tourists

Research Aim: This research will consider the reasons why South African cruise is extremely popular amongst British tourists.

Topic 9: To Investigate the Efficacy of Integrated Marketing Communication Tools to Restore the Image of Amsterdam as the Best Tourist Destination in Europe

Research Aim: This research will explore the marketing and communication tools utilized to market Amsterdam as the best tourism destination in Europe.

Topic 10: Factors Influencing British Customers’ Decision to Choose a Particular Destination During the Summer/winter Holiday

Research Aim: This research will discuss all the factors that influence British citizens to choose a destination for their summer or winter holidays. This topic can be customized according to a country of your choosing.

Hospitality Dissertation Topics

Hospitality industry  consists of casinos, resorts, restaurants, hotels, catering as well as other businesses that serve the tourists. At its core hospitality can be defined as the relationship between a guest and the hotel.

Other aspects of hospitality include but are not limited to liberality, friendliness, warm welcome, entertainment, goodwill, and reception. Modern-day businesses pride themselves on their acts of hospitality. Thus, it is an extremely interesting sub-topic to base your dissertation on. Some topics in this area of tourism are suggested below.

Topic 1: Examining How Popular Travel Agents Such as eBrooker and Opodo are Perceived by British Tourists

Research Aim: This research will evaluate some of the best and most popular travel agents such as Opodo and eBookers and how they assist British tourists with their destination planning.

Topic 2: Identifying the Factors that Influence Leisure Hotel Buying Decisions of British Customers

Research Aim: This research will identify the factors that influence British customers’ decision to opt for luxury hotels.

Topic 3: Identifying Features of a leisure hotel that attract British honeymoon couples

Research Aim: This research will identify features of a luxury hotel that attract British couples looking for a honeymoon location.

Topic 4: Investigating Hospitality Practices of Popular Leisure Hotels in Dubai

Research Aim: This study will investigate hospitality purchases of attractive luxury hotels in Dubai.

Topic 5: What are the Prime Factors Influencing Restaurant Selection Decisions of Young British Couples?

Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that influence British couples to select restaurants for their time out.

Topic 6: Investigating and Reviewing Strategies Employed by Hotel Restaurants and Pubs in London to Keep Their Employees Motivated

Research Aim: This research will study an important aspect of the tourism industry, i.e., how hotel restaurants and pubs in London keep their employees motivated.

Topic 7: Exploring the Relationship Between Culture and Leisure Hotel Buying Decisions in London.

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between how customers in London choose a luxury hotel based on their culture.

Topic 8: Creating Brand Sales and Recognition Using Integrated Marketing Communication Tools.

Research Aim: This research will explore how brand sales and recognition are built using various marketing and communication tools.

Topic 9: Understanding the Relationship Between Customers’ Buying Decisions and Leisure Hotel Hospitality Features within the Context of Overseas Holidays

Research Aim: This research will explore the relationship between customers’ decision to choose a luxury hotel while visiting different countries.

Topic 10: The Impact of Hospitality Companies’ Brand Image on Tourists’ Buying Decisions.

Research Aim: This research will first talk about different hospitality companies and how their brand image impacts tourists’ buying decisions.

Black Tourism Dissertation Topics

Black tourism, also known as dark tourism and grief tourism, involves travelling to historical sites/places associated with death, casualties, and suffering.

Dark or black tourist sites such as battlefields, monuments, castles, Tsunami sites, and Ground Zero are man-made or natural. They are found commonly in Scotland, South Asia, China, and Eastern Europe.

Dark tourism may not be the ideal choice for many students. However, it is an exciting topic to explore. Possible research topics under this field of tourism are listed below:

Topic 1: How Local Communities Can Benefit Commercially and Socially from Tours to Death/Casualty Sites – A Qualitative Study

Research Aim: This research will explore the various benefits that local communities can experience from touring death or casualty sites.

Topic 2: Attitude and Perception of Tourists Towards Taj Mahal in India

Research Aim: Taj Mahal can be categorised as a dark tourism site because many people consider it a mausoleum. This research will discuss the attitude and perceptions of tourists when visiting the Taj Mahal.

Topic 3: To Investigate and Identify the Factors Influencing Tourists’ Decisions to Visit gGrief Sites in the UK

Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that influence the decisions of tourists to visit grief sites in the UK.

Topic 4: Is Mercat Tour in Scotland a Grief Tourism Site for Potential Tourists?

Research Aim: Mercat Tour in Scotland is considered a ghost site. This study will explore what makes this site a dark tourism destination.

Topic 5: Developing a Highly Effective Marketing Strategy to Promote London Dungeon Among the Tourists

Research Aim: This research will understand the various marketing strategies undertaken to promote the London Dungeon amongst tourists.

Topic 6: What are the Primary Factors Influencing British Tourists’ Decision to Choose Grief Sites?

Research Aim: This research will understand the various factors that influence British tourists’ decision to select a dark tourism site.

Topic 7: Developing a Marketing Strategy to Promote Beaumaris Prison in Wales as Another Black Tourism Site in Britain

Research Aim: This research will focus on developing a successful marketing strategy that will help promote Beaumaris Prison in Wales as a black tourism site in Britain.

Topic 8: How are Man-made Grief tourism Sites are Perceived by British Tourists?

Research Aim: This research will discover how British tourists perceive man-made dark tourism destinations.

Comparing the Man-made Black Tourism Sites with the Natural Disaster Grief Sites from the Perspective of Tourists

Research Aim: This research will compare manmade and natural dark tourism destinations with a focus on tourists’ perceptions.

Topic 10: Do the Local Communities Economically Benefit from Tourists Visiting Dark Tourism Sites?

Research Aim: This research will explore whether or not local communities are impacted in any way when dark tourist sites in their locality are visited.

Sustainability and Tourism Dissertation Topics

At its core, this field of tourism primarily focuses on the way tourists can live harmoniously with the planet earth. Ecotourist sites or sustainable tourist sites are those that promote fauna and flora and cultural heritage. Another objective of  eco-tourism  is to provide social and economic opportunities to local communities. Some interesting topics worth exploring, in this area, are suggested below:

Topic 1: Investigating the Impact of the Internet on the Growth of Eco-tourism in the UK

Research Aim: This research will study the impact of the internet on the rising eco-tourism trend in the UK.

Topic 2: Factors Affecting British Customers’ Decision of Choosing an Eco-tourism

Research Aim: This research will study the reason why British tourists opt for an eco-tourism site as compared to traditional destinations.

Topic 3: Establishing and Discussing Strategies to Promote Swansea as the Best Eco-tourist Spot in the UK

Research Aim: This research will discuss the various ways through which Swansea can be promoted as the best eco-tourist spot in the UK.

Topic 4: Analysing the Role of Price in the Selection of Eco-tourism Destinations

Research Aim: This research will understand the various factors that influence the tourists’ decision to choose an eco-friendly site for their next holiday destination.

Topic 5: Examining the Use of Integrated Marketing Communication Tools to Promote Eco-tourism in Great Britain

Research Aim: This research will study and analyze the different ways through which integrated marketing communication tools should be used to promote eco-tourism in the UK.

Topic 6: Comparing Developing World Eco-tourism Sites Against Western Eco-tourism Sites

Research Aim: This study will compare developing eco-tourism sites and developed or Western eco-tourism sites. The study will conclude which sites tourists prefer and what factors lead them to their decision.

Topic 7: Does Eco-tourism Develop Social and Economic Opportunities for Local Communities?

Research Aim: This research will explore whether or not eco-tourism helps develop social and economic opportunities in the local communities. If it does, the study will explore those factors as well.

Topic 8: Exploring the Factors Affecting the Buying Decisions of Customers Interested in Eco-tourism Sites

Research Aim: This research will identify and discuss the various factors that affect the buying decision of customers who are interested in eco-tourism sites. These factors will then be explored in detail in this study.

Topic 9: Analysis of the Potential of Edinburgh as an Eco-tourism Site in the UK

Research Aim: This research will compare manmade and natural dark tourism destinations and will also include tourists’ perceptions.

Topic 10: Assessing the Impact of Grass Root level Education in Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Europe – A Review of the Literature

Research Aim: This research will discuss the impact of grass root level education to promote sustainable tourism in Europe. The study will be based on the qualitative research method.

Important Notes:

As a tourism and hospitality student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing tourism and hospitality theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of tourism and hospitality is vast and interrelated with many other academic disciplines like civil engineering, construction, law, engineering management, healthcare, mental health, artificial intelligence, physiotherapy, sociology, management, marketing, and nursing . That is why it is imperative to create a project management dissertation topic that is particular and sound and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong: your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best tourism and hospitality dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please take a look at some of our sample tourism and hospitality dissertation topics to get an idea for your dissertation.

How to Structure Your Tourism and Hospitality Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems to be addressed. An outline of the structure of a dissertation  can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review: This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analyzing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of the research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area while identifying any research gaps. A breakdown of the topic and key terms can have a positive impact on your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology:  The  data collection  and  analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and  data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis: The findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts, and  tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion  and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is to establish the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References:  Make sure to complete this in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices:  Any additional information, diagrams, graphs that were used to  complete the dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find dissertation topics about tourism and hospitality.

To find tourism and hospitality dissertation topics:

• Examine industry trends and challenges.
• Explore cultural, environmental, or tech impacts.
• Research niche areas like ecotourism or event management.
• Analyse customer behaviour and satisfaction.
• Consider sustainable practices.
• Select a topic aligning with your passion and career aspirations.

What is the best research topic for tourism?

There is no one best topic, but here is a trending topic. “The Impact of Virtual Reality Technology on Tourist Experience and Destination Promotion: A Comparative Analysis.” This research topic explores how VR technology affects tourist perceptions, engagement, and decision-making and its implications for destination marketing strategies, comparing traditional methods with VR-based approaches in tourism promotion.

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Tourism research from its inception to present day: Subject area, geography, and gender distributions

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Writing – original draft

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliation The Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft

• Andrei P. Kirilenko, 
• Svetlana Stepchenkova

• Published: November 2, 2018
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820
• Reader Comments

This paper uses text data mining to identify long-term developments in tourism academic research from the perspectives of thematic focus, geography, and gender of tourism authorship. Abstracts of papers published in the period of 1970–2017 in high-ranking tourist journals were extracted from the Scopus database and served as data source for the analysis. Fourteen subject areas were identified using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) text mining approach. LDA integrated with GIS information allowed to obtain geography distribution and trends of scholarly output, while probabilistic methods of gender identification based on social network data mining were used to track gender dynamics with sufficient confidence. The findings indicate that, while all 14 topics have been prominent from the inception of tourism studies to the present day, the geography of scholarship has notably expanded and the share of female authorship has increased through time and currently almost equals that of male authorship.

Citation: Kirilenko AP, Stepchenkova S (2018) Tourism research from its inception to present day: Subject area, geography, and gender distributions. PLoS ONE 13(11): e0206820. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820

Editor: Sergi Lozano, Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), SPAIN

Received: July 27, 2018; Accepted: October 20, 2018; Published: November 2, 2018

Copyright: © 2018 Kirilenko, Stepchenkova. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files; the methodology for data acquisition is fully described in the manuscript.

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

1. Introduction

Recent years have evidenced an increased interest to tourism as a knowledge system [ 1 ] and to bibliometric analysis of tourism research output [ 2 – 6 ]. Systematic evaluation of scientific output in a particular field of study using bibliometrics (statistical analysis of publications) is usually conducted from one of three main perspectives: an individual author, an academic journal, and an academic field [ 7 ]. At the individual author level, authorship is examined in terms of academic leadership, productivity, and collaborative networks, using indicators such as the number of publications (e.g., [ 8 ]), impact (mainly through citation analysis, e.g., [ 9 ]), co-citations (e.g., [ 2 ]), and co-authorship statistics [ 5 , 10 ]. At the academic journal level, studies are primarily concerned with issues of knowledge dissemination and transfer as well as journal quality and impacts [ 11 – 13 ]. Such studies are often used as guidelines to evaluate the quality of research output in academic institutions, make funding decisions, and help institutions formulate recommendations for tenure and promotion.

From the macro-level viewpoint of the academic field itself, which is the focus of this study, systematic examination of published scholarship is used to track evolution of the discipline, identify new trends and developments, point to gaps in knowledge and areas of inconsistency in research findings, suggest directions for future research, and, more generally, provide an up-to-date overview of the field [ 6 , 14 ]. For such a wide-ranging and diverse discipline as tourism, which is infused with contributions from various fields of inquiry, the analysis of its structural properties is of a particular value. Such analyses can outline not only current relationship dynamics of tourism with the ‘traditional’ study areas like sociology or marketing but also with more closely connected areas such as hospitality or leisure studies. For example, research by Cheng et al. [ 15 ] revealed that scholarly tourism journals have been diverging from leisure and well-being domain from which tourism research originated.

Evaluation of scholarly contributions in a particular field of study has social significance as well [ 7 , 15 ]. Two issues of social importance, in particular, have attracted attention from tourism researchers: geography and gender. Strong interest to these issues from the community of tourism scholars is manifested in conferences’ academic agendas, calls for papers for special journal issues, and recurring debates in professional networks such as TRINET. With respect to the geography issue, a long-standing concern has been the existing dominance of the Western perspective in tourism research and the underrepresentation of views not encompassed by the Western philosophical, social, and political tradition [ 16 , 17 ]. While geography typically represented by the first author’s institution cannot be equated with study’s perspective, viewpoint, or philosophy, the growing diversity in geography of tourism scholarship could serve as a feasible proxy.

Similarly, issues of gender parity in research, journal editorship, and education and administration have been brought into focus [ 18 , 19 ]. A recent issue of Anatolia journal, which is entirely devoted to the topic of gender in tourism academy, argues that “[g]iven that gender is so central to our identity formation and the structures of our societies, we question how it can be received as peripheral to the dominant discussions of the evolution of tourism knowledge and research production” [ 19 ]. In the articles tracking the scholastic achievement, the gender-related findings are typically reduced to the statements of women’s underrepresentation in the ‘most productive scholars’ lists (e.g., [ 20 ]). The direct tracing of the dynamics of gender representation in tourism scholarship has not yet been conducted. This is not surprising considering the variety of names from various corners of the world that are present in scholarly output and, until recently, the lack of methods to track the gender attribution of these names with high degree of confidence.

Recent developments in natural language processing and text mining allow analyses of voluminous data corpora that were not possible before. A document like an academic article deals with several issues at once and, thus, belongs to several subject areas, albeit with different ‘strength’ [ 21 , 22 ]. However, determining topical ‘strength’ has been a persistent problem in content analysis until very recently. The unsupervised classifiers such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) or Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and supervised classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), or Naïve Bayes deliver classification of documents into multiple categories, with category weights numerically expressed. Categories and their weights are discerned based on clusters of words that repeatedly co-occurred in textual segments, providing a more measured and objective classification. Further, with development of probabilistic methods of gender identification based on social network data mining and availability of online gender name-databases, the issue of gender identification in academic scholarship can be tackled with high degree of confidence. While text data mining methods have been percolating into tourism research (e.g., [ 23 , 24 ]), study utilizing text mining approaches for content analysis of unstructured data are still in single digits [ 25 – 27 ]. Thus, recent methodological developments paved the way to the analyses conducted in this study to determine as objectively as possible subject areas of tourism research and their evolution over more than 40 years, as well as geography and gender distribution of tourism scholarship.

2. Tourism scholarship: Literature review

In bibliographic studies, the ancillary information that accompanies each journal publication (e.g., year of publishing or number of citations) allows quick summaries, aggregation, and production of trends. The textual information, however, contained in the articles or their abstracts is more difficult to summarize and interpret. Studies that are concerned with subject areas of tourism research and/or developments in the field method-wise lean to one of the two main approaches: content analysis or quantitative relational analysis. Content analysis and its multiple variants include categorization of textual units using pre-specified or inductively derived lists of disciplinary foci, topical areas, keywords, or headwords, producing frequency counts with subsequent tabulation. The relational approach is an assemblage of quantitative techniques (e.g., co-citation analysis, network analysis) that compute similarity scores between units of analysis (e.g., articles or their authors) with subsequent clustering of those units and then visualize solutions with drafted networks of related articles/citations, scholars, and fields of study [ 6 , 10 , 28 ]. So far, the content analysis approach has been more popular with tourist researchers; however, relational techniques are gaining grounds with latest development in computational methods (see Table 1 ).

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.t001

2.1. Content analysis studies

An example of content analysis with pre-identified or inductively inferred categories would be Strandberg et al. [ 29 ] who evaluated scholarship published in journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research using 18 study areas provided by the journal itself as its scientific scope: “hospitality and tourism operations, marketing and consumer behavior, HR management, eTourism/eTravel. technology, planning and development, policy, performance and financial management, strategic implications, environmental aspects, forecasting and prediction, revenue management, impact assessment and mitigation, globalization, research methodologies, leisure and culture, risk management, and change management” (p. 9). The researchers added one more category, education, and coded 292 collected papers by their primary themes. Using three sequential 5-year periods, the authors were able to follow the dynamics of the primary themes in the journal scholarship.

Park et al. [ 30 ] identified 20 subject areas of tourism research published in six major tourism and hospitality journals (2,834 articles in total), drawing on previous studies and expert opinions. These areas included “attraction management; crisis and safety management; destination marketing and management; tourism development and residence perception; economic impact and econometrics; education; geographical issues; general marketing; image and branding; information technology; meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions, including festivals and fairs; tourism planning; politics, policy, legal, and governmental issues; supply chain management; market segmentation; special interests tourism; service management; sustainable tourism and eco-tourism; tourists’ perceptions and behavior; and other” (p. 384). Classification articles into these pre-established categories was conducted by checking their title, abstract, keywords, and, in some of the cases, the entire content of the paper.

Ballantyne et al.[ 32 ] examined 2,868 academic articles published in 12 major tourism journals from the list provided by McKercher et al. [ 12 ] for a 20-year period (1994–2004), categorizing them into 21 topical areas. The areas were inductively derived based on examination of randomly drawn 200 articles from the total pool: tourist/visitor studies; destinations; tourism planning; marketing; cultural tourism; economic issues; tourism impacts; tourism trends; tourism research issues & methods; hospitality; eco-tourism; sustainable development; special events; transport; management; human resource management; environmental interpretation; tourism policy; tourism education and training; business tourism; and sports and leisure (p. 150). ‘Manual’ approach to content analysis required the researchers to select a stratified random subsample of 144 articles in order to provide a more detailed analysis of research trends in top four subject areas and scholarship in top three journals.

An example of content analysis using ‘proxy’ data is demonstrated by Cheng et al. [ 15 ] who identified the disciplinary foci of 59 tourism-related journals and tracked changes over three time periods. Researchers evaluated 21 disciplinary foci provided in the Goeldner et al. [ 33 ] list (e.g., anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, marketing, etc.), found the list insufficient, and added eight supplementary disciplinary focuses: cultural/heritage study; management and administration; finance; computer science/technology; gerontology; literature; medicine, and philosophy/religion. Then, journal mission statements were examined to identify the disciplinary areas on which each particular journal was focusing. At this step, researchers followed the protocol of content analysis and calculated the inter-rater agreement. The final counts were used to illustrate growth of tourism-related disciplinary foci over time.

2.2. Relational techniques

As can be seen from the discussed examples, the content analysis approach and its results are dependent on the researcher’s individual perspective in selecting categories for coding. Further, since the coding involves human raters, the more complex the system of categories is, the more difficult it is to maintain the efficiency of the analysis and the adequate inter-rater reliability. Journal articles are multidimensional textual units, but raters must force them into a specific topical category, introducing another source of bias based on raters’ preferences. One of the ways to escape the problem with uni-dimensionality would be to use an article’s ‘tagging words’ provided by the authors themselves (keywords) or by the journal (headwords). Thus, Swain et al. [ 31 ] identified subject areas of papers published in Annals of Tourism Research based on headwords taken from the journal’s subject index. Top ten out of 1,830 headwords were: impacts; organizations; development; research & development; United States; Third World; tourism; international tourism; planning; transport; tourism, study of; hotel; and conferences [ 31 ]. The words were interpreted as indicative of topical research interests.

Similarly, Xiao and Smith [ 14 ] used the Annals’ subject index to discern the knowledge domains in the journal papers. Fifty-two headwords were identified that represented eight subject areas which citation frequencies were rising: “typology of tourists, community and development, alternative experience/product, sociocultural aspects and change, geopolitical regions/focus, literature/research/methods, marketing and management, and environment” (p. 496). Twenty-seven headwords were grouped into nine categories of decreasing popularity: “economics, industry and transportation, hospitality, recreation, impacts, North America, tourism (in a conventional/narrow sense), Third World, and sociology” (p. 496). The authors, however, acknowledged that the keyword and headword analyses provided inconsistent results, highlighting the subjectivity of the selected tagging words, as well as a large amount of subjective reasoning involved in aggregating the tagging words into larger themes or categories [ 31 ].

The information that is common to any two articles, whether it is keywords, headwords, authors, or references, allows for producing measures of similarity that can serve as a foundation for quantitative relational techniques. For example, co-citation analysis is based on the idea that the more cited works the two particular articles share, the closer these two articles are conceptually [ 28 ]. Yuan et al. [ 6 ] employed a modification of co-citation analysis, which they named bibliographic coupling: “Quantitatively speaking, the more common references two papers cite, the more closely the two papers relate to each other and the higher its BC strength” (p. 5). The articles were clustered based on the similarity scores but cluster labeling, that is, identification of subject areas, involved reading titles and abstracts of articles in the individual clusters. To facilitate spotting topics for each cluster, text data mining approach was employed [ 34 ]; it generated the top five terms for each cluster for further labeling by two tourism field experts.

With more relevance to the goal of this particular paper, Mazanec [ 26 ] tested whether LDA and SVM text data mining methods can detect change in the language of tourism research in order to answer a broad question of “whether, over the decades, the study of tourism has changed focus and touched on new issues or has been largely reiterating traditional viewpoints” [ 26 ]. The study found statistically significant temporal differences in frequencies of identified word groups; however, the study did not interpret these word groups in terms of research topics, or subject areas and advocated pursuing the scientific issue of text mining further to detect the reasons and contents of change. With this in mind, the study identified three specific research questions for investigation: (1) What are the subject areas in tourism research from its inception in the early 1970s to the present day and their temporal dynamics? (2) Where did tourism research develop and what is the spatial dynamics of its geography? (3) What is the gender of tourism scholarship and its temporal distribution? The study aims at objective and reliable identification of spatiotemporal distributions of tourism subject areas, geography, and gender using published tourism scholarship as the primary data source. The study selected LDA as a text mining method, which is described in section 3.2.

3.1 Data collection

We collected abstracts from the “Big Three” [ 35 ] tourism journals: Annals of Tourism Research ( ATR ), Journal of Travel Research ( JTR ), and Tourism Management (together with its predecessor, the International Journal of Tourism Management ) ( TM ) for a period of more than 40 years. These three foremost journals in the tourism field have maintained their leading positions for a long time, as confirmed by their journal rankings ( www.scimagojr.com ), impact factors, citation indices, and published literature reviews [ 5 , 7 , 12 , 13 , 35 , 36 ]. They can be viewed as analogous to ‘prestige press’ newspapers in political, media, and communication studies that act as trendsetters in the field of tourism research [ 8 , 10 , 14 , 26 , 31 , 37 , 38 ]. Abstracts rather than whole documents were selected as the most precise and concise representation of articles’ essence, including its subject area.

All the abstracts stored in the Scopus publication database for these three journals were downloaded, resulting in 8,890 article abstracts with publication dates ranging from 1974 until August 2017. Note that the publication date may differ from the date an article becomes available to readers. Standard procedures of data quality control were then applied (e.g., [ 39 ]). First, changing data formatting issues were resolved. Then, abstracts from other journals accidentally included in the database and duplicate entries were removed, resulting in 7,427 articles. Of these entries, 6,110 papers included abstracts ( ATR : 1,676 abstracts; JTR : 1,413 abstracts; and TM : 3,021 abstracts). The entries with missing abstracts mainly represented editorials, reviews, and similar publications; also note that the practice of requiring the abstracts was not yet firmly established at the beginning of the search period. Those entries without abstracts were used in the geographical and gender trend analysis, but not in the subject area content analysis.

Collected publication metadata contained the following information: publication ID in Scopus database; ISSN; title; date, volume, issue, and number of pages of the publication; name and affiliation of the first author; and the number of papers citing the publication. The author affiliation field was missing for 6.3% of entries, the author’s name was missing in 0.9%, and all other fields were missing in less than 0.1% of entries. Fig 1 shows the temporal distribution of collected data. Only the first author’s name was present in Scopus database; thus, all 7,427 papers, including those with missing abstracts, were then processed through Microsoft Academic Search to extract the records for the remaining authors. This search identified 7,045 papers; 382 papers were not present in the Microsoft publication database.

Note that the reduced number of article in 2009 is not a data collection artifact: compare Tourism Management volume 28 (2007, 1592 pages), volume 30 (2009, 936 pages) and 32 (2011, 1496 pages). The solid line represents the total number of journal papers in Scopus database with and without the abstracts.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g001

3.2 Content analysis with LDA

The Latent Dirichlet Allocation method (LDA) [ 40 ] models a collection of documents where each document contains multiple topics (latent variables) represented through its words (observed variables). The LDA approach then attempts to find latent topics based on the distribution of the observed words over the documents. The LDA model was successfully used to extract content from the abstracts of papers published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science [ 41 ]. Talley et al. [ 42 ] used a similar method to extract the topics from ca. 80,000 grant proposals that received awards form the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sugimoto et al. [ 43 ] applied LDA to the titles and abstracts of doctoral dissertations defended in library and information science with the goal of extracting dominant topics and identifying changes in the field over time. In the applied sciences, Moro et al. [ 44 ] analyzed the full texts of business intelligence publications with LDA and identified research trends and prospective research topics in the field. Sing et al. [ 45 ] used LDA to process over 25,000 abstracts from medical journals to identify research topics related to spinal care. Zhang et al. [ 46 ] used LDA to extract the topics from the abstracts of medical and biomedical papers published by 20 leading UK universities with the overall goal of estimating the “newsworthiness” of research in respective areas for the general mass media.

Extracting the subject areas of publications from the collected abstracts and examining their spatial and temporal variability was achieved by performing an automated search for similar patterns of words appearing in different documents. Formally, we constructed a probabilistic model of the abstracts collection through a Bayesian analysis of their texts. The analysis included the following steps, as outlined in [ 47 ]. Steps 1–8 were performed with the RapidMiner data mining platform [ 48 ], while Step 9 was performed with a program written in Python using an open-source Python LDA package ( http://pythonhosted.org/lda ):

• Tokenization: breaking the sentences into discrete words and word combinations;
• Part-of-speech (POS) tagging: marking each word in the sentence according to the corresponding part of speech;
• Removal of stop words: elimination of common words (such as “the”) in the English language that are irrelevant in identifying the specific themes appearing in the texts. The stop words include prepositions, articles, pro-nouns and other frequent words that are equally likely to be present in documents from different topics. We used the Porter stop word list supplied with RapidMiner platform and then a custom stop list ( S2 File );
• POS-based text reduction: elimination of all words other than those tagged as “noun” or “adjective”. Different types of automated text analysis concentrate on words from different POSs (e.g., adjectives are useful for sentiment analysis); however, topical analysis is primarily based on the texts’ nouns. It has been shown (e.g., [ 49 ]) that eliminating all other POS words improves article topic extraction. We found, however, that the inclusion of adjectives (e.g., “historical”, “authentic”, etc.) improves topic recognition in tourism related texts;
• Stemming: reducing inflected words to their word roots, performed using the Porter stemmer [ 50 ];
• Bigram collection: joining sequential tokens. Bigrams allow an analysis based on a group of words as opposed to a single word. For example, a documents containing words “tourism industry” would produce two unigram tokens: "tourism" and "industry" and one bigram: “tourism_industry”;
• Synonym replacement: merging words with identical meanings such as “tourism industry" and "tourist industry". See S2 File for the synonym list;
• Co-occurrence matrix creation: First, all words left in the documents are joined into a global dictionary containing N words. Then, each document is represented by an N-dimensional vector based on the presence or absence of a specific word from the dictionary in that document. Then, a co-occurrence matrix is formed by the vectors representing all documents. Three different schema of co-occurrence matrix creation were explored: binary term occurrence, term occurrence—inverse document occurrence (TF/IDF), and term occurrence. The term occurrence schema was selected because it returned the most consistent topics.
• Topic extraction with LDA. We used the latent Dirichlet allocation using Gibbs sampling Python package ( https://github.com/lda-project/lda ).
• Interpretation of words from identified latent topics as tourism concepts belonging to a particular subject area in tourism research.

The issues of selecting the number of topics (K) and values of the model parameters α and β are related to step 9 of LDA application. The formal method of selecting K value based on maximization of a model fit metrics (such as log likelihood) has been criticized in the literature for returning a very large number of topics, many of which are not semantically meaningful (e.g., see the influential paper by a team of researchers from Facebook, University of Maryland, and Princeton University [ 51 ]). Instead, it has been suggested that model selection should focus on topic interpretability because “there is no gold-standard list of topics to compare against for every [textual data] corpus” [ 51 ]. Subsequently, we processed the abstracts by extracting K latent topics, varying K from 10 to 30, and manually evaluating the extracted topics each time. We found that higher K values tended to return topics with similar content. In contrast, lower values of K tended to return very complex topics. Based on this preliminary analysis and following the recommendations in [ 51 ], we selected K value of 14.

Two other model parameters, α and β, define the theoretical distribution of topics over the documents. A literature review showed that the commonly accepted values are α ≈ 0.1 and β = [0.01, 0.1] (e.g., [ 41 ]), with a lower α returning fewer dominant topics per document and a lower β returning topics with less similarity. Accordingly, we selected α = 0.1 and β = 0.01. To validate the β selection, we additionally ran the model with the values β = 0.05 and β = 0.1 but found only insignificant changes in the topics expressed as a slightly higher degree of topic intersection.

4.1 Subject areas: What is being published?

The analysis of the abstracts resulted in a 14-topic solution, in which each topic was represented by multiple words with different weights. By consulting the original abstracts in the database for each topical cluster, the interpretive concepts for subject areas were identified. Then, these concepts were joined under one “umbrella” name. To provide an example, the ten most representative words for topic 5 were service , satisfaction , quality , value , relationship , attribute , custom , intention , brand , and airline ( Table 2 ). The interpretive concepts were identified as follows: customer satisfaction; service quality; purchase intention; value; and product attributes . These concepts were joined under the subject area ‘service quality and satisfaction’. To illustrate the result in more detail, we created a supplementary S1 File , which provides representative abstracts from the database that obtained the highest scores on their respective subject areas. The abstract with the highest score for the subject area "service quality and satisfaction" is presented below (1000 is the maximum score).

“In highly competitive markets , customer satisfaction is a key driver of performance , making its measurement and management crucial . Most studies on customer satisfaction take an aggregate standpoint and do not consider segment-specific differences in attribute importance . In this article , the authors report on customer satisfaction with alpine ski resorts . They hypothesize that personal , situational , and product factors moderate the relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction . The results show that these factors indeed influence the attribute-performance-satisfaction relationship . Theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed . ” (Score: 892; abstract # 42449160073.)

Each topic is represented by multiple terms; only the first ten words with the highest weights are included. Note that the original terms were represented by word roots; the terms were converted to representative nouns and adjectives to improve readability.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.t002

The temporal dynamics of popularity of any single subject area (as a share of the entire volume) changes across time ( Fig 2 ). For example, subject area ‘tourism demand’ (# 11) falls in popularity, while the popularity of ‘service quality and satisfaction’ (#5) increases. The comparative interest in the issues of sustainable tourism (# 13) and tourism and local communities (# 14) remains relatively constant. Overall, at present, across all three journals, the issues represented by subject areas ‘tourism as a social phenomenon’ (# 1), ‘service quality and satisfaction’ (# 5), and ‘tourist experience and motivation’ (# 8) are slightly more popular compared to the issues emphasized by other areas.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g002

The results ( Table 3 , Fig 3 ) indicate that some of the identified topics are common to all three journals, while others are more journal-specific. According to LDA analysis, ATR is highly interested in studies that view tourism as a social phenomenon and involve a variety of disciplinary perspectives. This is quite consistent with the journal self-identification as a “social sciences journal focusing upon the academic perspectives of tourism. In this role, ATR is structured by the research efforts of a multidisciplinary community of scholars” [ 36 ]. Subject area of tourism as a social phenomenon, which draws heavily on theoretical developments in anthropology and sociology and heavily involves qualitative methods of analysis, is published disproportionately more often in ATR . LDA analysis identified the higher interest of TM in the issues related to tourism industry and tourism demand, as compared to the other two publications, consistent with TM orientation as an outlet “concerned with the planning and management of travel and tourism” [ 36 ]. JTR “focuses on travel and tourism behavior, management and development… with diversity in research topics and methodologies” [ 36 ]. In analysis, JTR emerged as a well-rounded journal topic-wise that demonstrates more interest in modeling and forecasting than do the other two journals and publishes more conference announcements, primarily for the TTRA annual conference.

The areas are numbered as follows: 1: Tourism as a social phenomenon; 2: Image and risk; 3: Attractions; 4: Tourism industry; 5: Service quality and satisfaction; 6: Modeling and forecasting; 7: Conferences; 8: Tourist experience and motivation; 9: Market segmentation; 10: Decision making process; 11: Tourism demand; 12: Governing tourism development; 13: Sustainable tourism; 14: Local communities.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g003

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.t003

4.2 Geography: Where do they publish from?

We used the first author’s affiliation data to discern the geographical pattern of tourism research. In total, the tourism journals published papers led by authors from 83 countries ( Table 4 ). Fig 4 shows the change in the relative number of papers published in various countries over time. Note that the figure shows only countries from which at least 1% of the overall paper volume within the study period was published, or at least 3% of the number of papers within any sequential 5-year period. All other countries are merged into the “Other” category. Note also that while the affiliation was missing in only 6.3% of the papers, the distribution of the missing papers over time was not uniform. At the beginning of the research period (up to 1995), the percentage of papers with missing affiliations in each year was high (mean = 18%). However, in 1996 and beyond, the percentage of missing affiliations was sharply reduced (mean = 1%). In Fig 4 , the papers with missing affiliations are ignored.

Publication country is defined from the affiliation of the first author. The countries shown have at least 1% of the total number of publications or at least 3% of publications in any 5-yeat period. To smooth over temporal variability, the figure shows 5-year running mean.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g004

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.t004

The distribution pattern in Fig 4 and the numbers from Table 4 indicate that articles from the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada account for a large portion of tourism scholarship, especially in the beginning of the study period. However, their relative combined output dropped from 64% in 1978–1987 to 43% in 2008–2017, while scholarship from countries such as Mainland China, Spain, and Taiwan grew noticeably. In particular, Mainland China increased its output from 1% in 1978–1987 to 5% in 2008–2017, or even more if we look only at the last few years depicted in Fig 4 . It is also worth noting that the Other category ( Table 4 ) accounts for 19% of the total scholarly output in the last period, compared to 6% at the beginning. The Other category includes 70 countries, of which the ten largest contributors are Austria, Norway, France, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Macao, Switzerland, Singapore, and Greece. The authors also visualized dynamics of geographical representation of various world regions (by the location of the first author’s institution) in tourism studies, using, for contrast, the earliest (1972–1987) and latest (2007–2017) periods ( Fig 5 ). The expansion to Asian, Middle East, African, and South American regions is clearly visible.

The color scale indicates percentage of papers coming from a specific country; papers with unknown authors’ affiliation are not taken into account. Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao are presented separately, following Scopus database format.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g005

4.3 Gender: Who is publishing?

The authors’ gender was identified from their first names using the Genderize.io software, which predicts the probability of a specific name to belong to a certain gender from statistics extracted from social network accounts. For example, Genderize.io has 763 people whose first name is ‘Kim’ in its database; of these, 687 are females. Hence, the estimated probability of a person with the first name ‘Kim’ being a female is 90%. Only the authors whose gender was identified with at least 0.6 probability were retained; the rest of the authors were excluded, which resulted in 5,591 unique authors, including 3,064 unique first authors (which constitutes 79% / 80%, respectively, of the authors/first authors identified through Microsoft Academic search). The authors whose gender could not be clearly identified were mainly (1) those where the Microsoft Academic database included only initials, and (2) those with names from China. We speculate that the latter bias relates to the way the Genderize.io database was built: the gender was extracted from social network registration records. Because Chinese nationals are restricted in their use of the major international social networks such as Twitter and Facebook by the legislative and technological actions, the Genderize.io Chinese name base might be limited.

The results indicate that the percentage of papers authored by male tourism researchers has fallen steadily throughout the study period, from 93% in the 1970s to 60% in the 2010s ( Table 5 , column Total). The percentage of male scholars as first authors showed similar dynamics, falling from 93% in the 1970s to 57% in the 2010s ( Table 5 , column Male First Authors). The corresponding yearly dynamics are shown in Fig 6 ; note that the figure starts from 1976 to include only those years in which the genders of at least 20 first authors could be identified. Overall, through the years all journals display the same trend of increased share of female tourism scholarship, both within the authorship team and as the first author.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.g006

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.t005

5. Discussion

Using a text mining approach, namely, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, the study identifies 14 subject areas in tourism scholarship from more than four decades of research. It concludes that LDA is sensitive enough to detect interpretable topics and their trends in large volumes of textual material. Drawing on Mazanec [ 26 ], the study contributes to tourism literature by extending methods for identification of subject areas from tracking separate words as indicators of research interest [ 14 , 31 ] to deriving latent topics via text mining algorithms. The findings indicate that the identified subject areas have been in existence for the whole period of analysis, yet fluctuations in interest to those research topics have been detected. It is important to notice that the existence of the same topics during 40 years does not mean that no innovations have occurred in how researchers address pertinent issues of these areas in terms of conceptual foundations, methods of analysis, or geographical context. A more finely granulated analysis would allow identification of more specific and detailed areas of study, as topics can fragment into sub-themes when different parameters for the analysis are chosen.

The most noticeable fluctuations in relative shares of the 14 identified knowledge domains ( Fig 4 ) reflect the growing interest of researchers to the tourist as an individual, rather than tourism industry as a system. This interest transcends in such topics as tourist experience and motivation (topic 8) as well as service quality and satisfaction (topic 5). All three journals, ATR, JTR, and TM, capture this interest to individual tourist experiences, while primarily JTR and TM reflect interest to issues of quality and satisfaction ( Table 3 ). The studies of tourism from the macro perspectives of Tourism industry (topic 4), Modeling and forecasting (topic 6), Market segmentation (topic 9), Governing tourism development (topic 12) demonstrate a steady performance or, as is the case with Tourism demand (topic 11), decreases throughout the years. It is still a question how much the identified dynamics are due to the actual interest of researchers in a particular knowledge domain and how much it is reflective of the “Big Three” journal policies and preferences. One has to bear in mind that four decades ago there were much fewer tourism journals than now; therefore, less “generalistic” and more “specialty” journals like for example Journal of Sustainable Tourism , Tourism Geographies , or Tourism Economics may have drawn towards themselves research on particular topics since they were established. However, since new journals have been created in all the areas of tourism studies in the considered time frame, if is not possible to numerically estimate the influence of their topical distribution to the study findings.

With respect to geographical dynamics of tourism scholarship, the findings indicate that it has been expanding (Figs 4 and 5 ). In Table 4 , the Other category contains a large share of countries, including Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Africa, India, Cyprus, Brazil, Poland, Thailand, and many others that are culturally different from the ‘collective West’ countries of the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Western Europe [ 52 ]. This expansion does not necessarily mean that a non-Western perspective is expanding as well, since authors from non-Western cultures can adopt a Western worldview, but encouraging nevertheless. Further, the identified themes mostly reflect tourism as an industry, emphasizing marketization and segmentation, management issues, demand and consumption, and hedonic orientation and are largely associated with the Western perspective in the studies of tourism [ 16 ]. It also seems that alternative, non-consumption-oriented themes are predominantly reflected in studies classified under the topics ‘tourism as a social phenomenon’ and ‘sustainable tourism.’ To verify this assumption, we examined LDA classifications of three articles presented by Higgins-Desbiolles [ 16 ] as reflecting a non-Western perspective on tourism: [ 53 – 55 ].

Inayatullah [ 55 ] addresses an Islamic outlook on tourism as haji , where “travel or the accumulation of wisdom, ilm , is the essence of Islam. Travelling, visiting wise people, finding holy sites, was an integral part of life” (p. 411). The LDA solution classified this paper as sustainable tourism (446), tourism as a social phenomenon (291), tourism experience and motivation (145), and conferences (145) (the weights shown in parentheses total 1,000). Berno [ 54 ] studies how Polynesian people from the Cook Islands engaged with tourism and integrated it into their value system. The article was classified as tourism as a social phenomenon (319), tourist experience and motivation (296), sustainable tourism (182), tourism industry (136), and governing tourism development (65). Finally, the article by Allcock and Przeclawski [ 53 ] is an introduction to an ATR thematic edition on tourism in centrally planned economies; it does not have an abstract and, therefore, was not classified. Consequently, we analyzed another paper [ 56 ] by the same first author found in our database. This paper addressed the potential of planned economies for tourism development and was classified as sustainable tourism (234), governing tourism development (214), tourism as a social phenomenon (112), tourism industry (112), tourism demand (88), service quality and satisfaction (65), image and risk (57), tourist experience and motivation (54), market segmentation (30), and conferences (29). The only three topics with zero weights were attractions, modeling and forecasting, and local communities. As evidenced by the provided examples, the assignment into topics is quite solid.

Gender wise, the study has shown that the presence of female scholarship in the body of tourism research has been steadily increasing throughout the years. This finding is consistent across several methods used. Moreover, the citations analysis does not indicate that currently the works by female authors are lesser sited ( Table 5 ). The authors want to note, however, that these results by themselves do not support or refute any claim or statement regarding whether the parity between male and female representation in tourism academia, research, or leadership has been reached [ 19 ]. However, the social progress through the years has been clearly demonstrated by the analysis, together with the positive developments in geographic location of research contributors. These two findings, together with identification of dominant subject areas in tourism research in an objective way via text mining methods are considered the main contributions of the article to the tourism literature.

5.1. Limitations and future research

It might seem that the solution is highly dependent on number K of topics chosen. However, in the authors’ experience, it is not so. The range of 10–30 solutions was examined, and, while some of the key words were re-distributed across the topics, the main themes were nevertheless present in the solution. It should also be noted that deriving a large number of topics introduces redundancy in interpretation that may be less convenient for making summaries [ 51 ]. Yet, using a larger number of topics is possible, as shown by Kirilenko and Stepchenkova [ 57 ] who employed principal component analysis to identify themes in public discourse on climate change. Importantly, the LDA approach demonstrated in this paper is scalable. Researchers can select a theme of interest, identify articles that pertain most strongly to this theme, and conduct LDA on that textual corpus to obtain various subtopics of the theme. Furthermore, when researchers know what words they want to track, they can easily do so; for example, it is quite possible to track the dynamics of SEM analysis, sentiment analysis, or some other method in tourism studies.

As can be seen from the examples in the preceding section, some topics have less “face validity” than others, namely, the topic labeled as ‘conferences’. To understand this issue better, note that the authors did not ‘sift through’ the abstracts downloaded from the Scopus database; therefore, not only research articles but other materials such as conference announcements and reports are also present in the database. The decision to keep these materials in the database was based on the following reasons: 1) ‘weeding out’ is largely a manual procedure [ 5 ] that is inherently subjective and hence to some degree negates the use of mostly automatic classification; 2) the share of such materials in the total textual corpus is small (our estimation is under six percent); and (3) these materials, while structurally different from research articles, also signal topical interest in tourism as a field of study.

Finally, this research is limited to the "Big Three" tourism journals: the most reputable, highly cited journals with a long history. Because of that, we presumed these journals to be representative of tourism- related literature. However, this might have made our results dependent to some degree on the methodological preferences of these journals’ editorial boards (e.g., for a hypothesis-driven as opposed to a data driven research such as one used as this paper). That raises a possibility of some cutting-edge tourism research topics shifting to other journals, escaping our analysis. One possible example of such topic would be climate change impact on tourism, which is mainly published in Journal of Sustainable Tourism or in high-ranking non-tourism journals such as Climatic Change. A wider data sample would present a clearer picture of the emerging topics and their contribution to overall tourism scholarship.

Supporting information

S1 file. publication data used in this research..

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.s001

S2 File. Stop words and synonym dictionary.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206820.s002

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230+ Innovative Hospitality Management Research Topics In 2023

Have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes to make your hotel stay or restaurant food so great? Hospitality management research is like the investigative work of detectives in the world of hospitality. It aims to find ways to enhance your experiences away from home and ensure that hotels and restaurants run smoothly.

In this blog, we delve into the importance of research in the hospitality industry. It’s the key to enhancing guest experiences, optimizing business operations, and promoting sustainable practices. It keeps businesses up-to-date with changing trends and helps attract and retain the best staff, all while exploring innovative solutions for the challenges faced by the industry.

We’ll also provide you with over 230 innovative research topics in hospitality management for 2023, catering to various fields of study, whether you’re a social sciences, economics, STEM, or law and ethics student. So, if you’re curious about the world of hospitality research, read on to uncover the secrets of guest satisfaction and the ever-evolving landscape of this dynamic industry.

What Is Hospitality Management Research?

Table of Contents

Hospitality management research is like detectives studying how hotels, restaurants, and other places where people stay and eat can do things better. Imagine someone trying to find ways to make your hotel stay more comfortable or your restaurant meal tastier. That’s what researchers in hospitality management do. They ask questions, gather information, and use special tools to solve problems and make the experience of staying and eating out more enjoyable for everyone. They also look at how to make these places run smoothly and help the people who work there do their jobs better.

This kind of research is important because it helps hotels and restaurants become better at what they do. It can lead to new ideas and improvements that make guests happy and also help the businesses make more money. So, hospitality management research is all about finding ways to make your time away from home more enjoyable, relaxing, and delicious.

Importance Of Research In Hospitality Management

Here are some importance of research in hospitality management:

1. Enhancing Guest Experiences

Research in hospitality management helps hotels and restaurants figure out what makes guests happy. It’s like finding the secret recipe for a big smile. By asking questions and studying what guests like and don’t like, they can make stays and meals more enjoyable and memorable.

2. Efficient and Well-Run Businesses

Just like a chef needs a recipe to cook a delicious meal, businesses in hospitality need the right recipe for success. Research helps them find the best ways to do things, like how to manage staff, plan menus, and set prices. This makes the hotel or restaurant run smoothly and make more money.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

Researchers in hospitality also look at ways to be kind to the planet. They explore how to save energy, reduce waste, and use fewer resources. This not only helps the environment but also saves money for businesses in the long run.

4. Keeping Up with Changing Trends

Travel and dining habits change over time, just like fashion trends. Hospitality research keeps businesses up-to-date with what’s popular and what’s not. It’s like knowing which clothing style is in fashion, but for hotels and restaurants.

5. Attracting and Training the Best Staff

Good staff is like the icing on a cake – they make everything better. Research in hospitality management helps businesses find and keep talented employees. Businesses can make their employees happier and more effective by knowing what they need and want. This will lead to better service for guests.

In this section, we will discuss hospitality management research topics: 

Great Hospitality Industry Research Topics

• Consumer Preferences in Sustainable Accommodations
• Technology’s Role in Personalizing Guest Experiences
• Crisis Management in the Post-COVID-19 Hospitality Sector
• Food Safety and Public Health in Restaurants
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Hospitality Workforce
• Cultural Exchange and Tourism Impact
• Managing Employee Turnover in Hospitality
• The Effect of Online Reviews on Hotel Selection
• Social Media Marketing for Hotels
• Environmental Responsibility in Hospitality Operations

Amazing Research Titles About Hospitality Industry

• Sustainable Hospitality: Green Practices and Guest Satisfaction
• Innovations in Guest Experience Management
• Resilience in the Face of Crisis: Hospitality Industry Strategies
• Digital Disruption in Hospitality: The Tech Transformation
• From Stars to Stories: Rethinking Hotel Ratings
• Exploring Cultural Tourism in the Hospitality World
• Unveiling the Secrets of Top-Rated Hotels: A Guest-Centric Analysis
• Banquets and Conferences in the Digital Age: Innovations in Event Management
• Social Media Crisis Communication for the Hospitality Industry
• Dining Experiences Beyond the Plate: Restaurant Innovations

List of Recommended Philippines Hotel and Restaurant Management Dissertation Topics

• Boutique Hotels and Local Tourism Development
• Culinary Tourism in the Philippines: A Flavorful Journey
• Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: Socioeconomic Impacts
• Sourcing Locally: Sustainable Food Practices in Filipino Restaurants
• Promoting Filipino Hospitality and Cuisine through Social Media
• Revenue Management Strategies for Philippine Hotels
• Cultural Festivals and Hotel Occupancy Rates
• Elevating Customer Service in Filipino Restaurants
• Ecotourism Trends and Eco-Friendly Accommodations in the Philippines
• Adapting to the ‘New Normal’: Challenges and Opportunities in Philippine Hospitality

Research Topics in Hospitality Management for Social Students

• Social Responsibility in Hospitality: A Comparative Study
• Indigenous Communities and Tourism: Social Implications
• Gender Diversity in Hospitality Leadership Roles
• Mental Health Among Hospitality Workers: A Social Perspective
• Social Media’s Impact on Destination Marketing
• Inclusivity and Diverse Populations in Hospitality
• Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants: A Social Goal
• Tourism as a Catalyst for Cultural Exchange
• Social Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality Sector
• Community Engagement in Tourism Development

Research Topics for Hospitality Management for Economy Students

• Mega Events and Their Economic Impact on Hospitality and Tourism
• Price Elasticity in the Hotel Industry
• Economic Analysis of All-Inclusive Resorts
• Tourism’s Role in the Economic Development of Developing Nations
• Foreign Investment in Hospitality: Economic Insights
• The Economics of Luxury Hotel Operations
• Market Entry Strategies for International Hotel Chains
• Tourism Taxes and Their Influence on Visitor Numbers
• Airbnb and Its Economic Impact on Traditional Hotels
• Agrotourism’s Economic Viability and Potential

Outstanding Research Titles For Hospitality Management Students

•  Crafting Exceptional Guest Experiences: A Study in Hospitality Excellence
•  Hospitality Resilience in Times of Crisis: Strategies and Success Stories
•  The Digital Revolution: Innovations in Hospitality Management
•  Beyond Stars and Diamonds: A New Era of Hotel Classification
•  The Art of Hospitality: Unveiling the Secrets of Top-Rated Establishments
•  Events Redefined: Innovations in Banquets and Conferences
•  Navigating Social Media in the Hospitality Industry
•  Sustainability and Responsibility: The Future of Hospitality
•  Restaurants Reinvented: Culinary Adventures in Modern Dining
•  Emerging Ethical Dilemmas in Hospitality Management

Leading Thesis Titles For Hospitality Management

•  Hotel Revenue Management Strategies and Their Impact on Profitability 
•  The Influence of Guest Reviews on Hotel Selection 
•  Digital Transformation in Hospitality: A Case Study of Leading Chains 
•  The Role of Environmental Practices in Guest Satisfaction 
•  Global Diversity in Hospitality Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities 
•  Promoting Cultural Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth 
•  Employee Turnover: Causes, Costs, and Solutions in the Hospitality Sector 
•  Social Media Marketing for Hotels: Best Practices and Pitfalls 
•  Legal and Ethical Aspects of Food Safety in Restaurants 
•  The Sustainability Movement in Boutique Hotels: Case Studies 

Hotel Management Research Paper Ideas

•  Optimizing Hotel Room Pricing Strategies 
•  Enhancing Hotel Operations Through Technology 
•  Sustainable Practices in Hotel Management 
•  Crisis Management and Disaster Preparedness for Hotels 
•  The Role of Leadership in Hotel Success 
•  Innovations in Hotel Guest Services 
•  Customer Relationship Management in the Hotel Industry 
•  Effective Marketing Strategies for Hotels 
•  The Impact of Employee Training on Guest Satisfaction 
•  The Influence of Hotel Design on the Guest Experience 

Argumentative Essay Topics for Research in the Hospitality Industry

•  The Pros and Cons of All-Inclusive Resorts 
•  Online Travel Agencies vs. Direct Hotel Booking: Which is Better? 
•  The Ethics of Wildlife Tourism: Balancing Conservation and Entertainment 
•  The Role of Technology in Replacing Human Workers in Hospitality 
•  Is Sustainable Tourism Truly Achievable, or Just a Buzzword? 
•  Cultural Appropriation in the Restaurant Industry: Where to Draw the Line 
•  Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability in Tourism 
•  The Impact of Overtourism on Local Communities 
•  Are Hotel Loyalty Programs a Benefit or a Burden for Guests? 
•  Legal and Ethical Issues in Food Allergen Handling in Restaurants 

Read More 

• Social Media Research Topics
• Mental Media Research Topics

Creative Hospitality Management Research Topics

•  The Influence of Art and Design on Hotel Guest Experience 
•  Gastronomic Tourism: Exploring the World Through Food 
•  The Theater of Fine Dining: Immersive Restaurant Experiences 
•  Hospitality as a Form of Entertainment: Theatricality in Hotels and Restaurants 
•  Novel Approaches to Hotel Branding and Theme Concepts 
•  Music and Soundscapes in Enhancing Ambiance in Hospitality Establishments 
•  The Role of Storytelling in Hotel and Restaurant Marketing 
•  Innovative Hotel Room Features and Amenities 
•  Sensory Marketing in the Hospitality Industry 
•  Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Applications in Tourism and Hospitality 

Social Media Research Topics About the Hospitality Industry

• The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Hospitality Businesses
• Crisis Management in the Age of Social Media
• User-Generated Content and Its Influence on Hotel Bookings
• The Role of Instagram in Promoting Food Tourism
• The Viral Power of TikTok for Restaurant Marketing
• Online Reputation Management for Hotels and Restaurants
• Social Media as a Tool for Personalized Guest Experiences
• The Dark Side of Social Media: Handling Negative Reviews
• Popular Topics in Philippine Hotel and Restaurant Management Theses
• The Privacy Debate: Social Media and Guest Data in Hospitality

Excellent Research Titles About Hospitality Management

• The Guest Journey: A Holistic Approach to Hospitality Management
• Resilience in the Hospitality Industry: Lessons from Adversity
• Tech Transformation: Shaping the Future of Hospitality
• Guest Satisfaction Beyond Stars: Secrets of Highly Rated Hotels
• Innovations in Event Management: Redefining Conferences and Banquets
• Navigating the Digital Age: Social Media Marketing for Hotels
• Sustainability and Responsibility: The New Imperatives in Hospitality
• Culinary Experiences: The Evolution of Dining in the Modern Era
• Ethical Dilemmas in Hospitality Management: A Comprehensive Study
• Unlocking the Potential of Boutique Hotels: Case Studies

Tourism and Hospitality Research Topics for STEM

• Data Analytics in Tourism: Optimizing Operations and Guest Experiences
• Smart Cities and Sustainable Tourism Development
• Biotechnology and Food Safety in Hospitality
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Tourism Recommendations
• Environmental Engineering in Sustainable Hotel Design
• Renewable Energy Solutions for Eco-Friendly Accommodations
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Destination Planning
• Sustainable Transportation and Tourism
• The Impact of 5G Technology on Tourism Services
• Waste Management and Recycling in the Hospitality Industry

Sustainability Research Topics for Tourism and Hospitality

• Zero-Waste Initiatives in Hotels: Challenges and Success Stories
• Sustainable Agriculture and Farm-to-Table Dining in Restaurants
• Carbon Footprint Reduction in Air Travel and Its Implications
• The Role of Green Certifications in Eco-Tourism
• Plastic Reduction Strategies in the Hospitality Sector
• Community-Based Tourism and Local Ecosystem Preservation
• Sustainable Water Management in Hotels and Resorts
• Sustainable Practices in Adventure Tourism
• Responsible Tourism and Conservation of Endangered Species
• Green Building Design and Energy Efficiency in Hotels

Simple Hospitality Research Topics

• The Importance of Customer Service in Hospitality
• Hotel Pricing Strategies and Occupancy Rates
• Food Safety and Hygiene in Restaurants
• The Impact of Guest Reviews on Hotel Reputation
• Staff Training and Retention in the Hospitality Industry
• Innovations in Hotel Room Design
• Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Hotels
• Local Food Sourcing for Sustainable Dining
• The Role of Hospitality in Economic Development
• The Psychology of Guest Satisfaction

Top Hospitality Research Ideas

•  Destination Branding and Its Legal Implications 
•  The Role of Insurance in Hospitality Risk Management 
•  Privacy and Data Protection in Guest Information Handling 
•  Intellectual Property and Copyright Laws in the Culinary World 
•  Alcohol Licensing and Regulation in the Hospitality Sector 
•  The Legal Aspects of Hotel Contracts and Booking Agreements 
•  Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Laws in Hospitality Employment 
•  Environmental Compliance in Hotel Building and Operations 
•  Liability in Tourism Activities: Legal Protection for Tour Operators 
•  Health and Safety Regulations in the Restaurant Industry 

Hospitality Management Research Topics

•  The Significance of Employee Training in Hospitality Service Excellence 
•  Innovations in Hotel Room Amenities and Design 
•  Food Safety and Hygiene Practices in High-End Restaurants 
•  The Role of Technology in Guest Service Enhancement 
•  Sustainability Initiatives in Hotel Operations 
•  Crisis Management Strategies in the Hotel Industry 
•  Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion 
•  Legal and Ethical Issues in Alcohol Service at Restaurants 
•  The Psychology of Customer Loyalty in Hospitality 
•  The Impact of Hotel Design on Guest Satisfaction 

Research Topics on Hospitality and Tourism

•  The Interplay of Tourism and Local Culture Preservation 
•  Sustainable Tourism in Protected Natural Areas 
•  Hospitality Innovation for Accessible Tourism 
•  The Influence of Cultural Events on Hotel Bookings 
•  Online Travel Agencies and Their Impact on Small Hotels 
•  Destination Marketing through Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality 
•  Hotel Booking Behavior: A Comparative Study of Different Generations 
•  Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Management in Tourism 
•  The Effects of Weather and Climate on Tourism Destinations 
•  Dark Tourism: A Study of Morbid Attractions in Travel 

Excellent Hospitality Research Topics

•  The Power of Personalization in the Hospitality Industry 
•  Exploring Resilience in Crisis-Hit Tourism Destinations 
•  Hospitality Technology Adoption and Its Influence on Guest Satisfaction 
•  Beyond Stars and Diamonds: A New Era of Hotel Classification 
•  Crafting Unique Guest Experiences: A Study of High-Rated Hotels 
•  Innovations in Event Management: Rethinking Conferences and Banquets 
•  Social Media Marketing Strategies in the Hospitality Sector 
•  Sustainability and Responsibility: Imperatives for Future Hospitality 
•  The Evolution of Culinary Experiences in the Modern Dining Landscape 
•  Ethical Challenges in Hospitality Management: A Comprehensive Analysis 

Outstanding Hospitality Research Topics

•  The Guest Journey: A Holistic Approach to Hospitality Management 
•  Strategies for Resilience in the Hospitality Industry 
•  Digital Transformation in Hospitality: Innovations and Challenges 
•  Guest Satisfaction Beyond Stars: Unveiling Top Hotels’ Secrets 
•  Innovative Approaches to Event Management: Redefining Conferences and Banquets 
•  Social Media Marketing in Hospitality: Best Practices and Pitfalls 
•  Sustainability and Responsibility in the Modern Hospitality Landscape 
•  Reimagining Restaurants: Creative Concepts and Trends 
•  Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Compass in Hospitality Management 
•  Boutique Hotels: A New Wave of Luxury Accommodations 

Innovative Hospitality Dissertation Topics

•  The Impact of Blockchain Technology in Hotel Operations 
•  Augmented Reality and Its Application in Hotel Marketing 
•  Biosecurity Measures in Hospitality Post-Pandemic 
•  Sensory Marketing and Its Role in Guest Satisfaction 
•  Sustainable Practices in Hotel Interior Design 
•  Robotics and Automation in the Hospitality Industry 
•  Micro-Moments in Guest Decision-Making: A Mobile-First Approach 
•  Virtual Reality-Based Tourism Experiences 
•  Waste Reduction Strategies in Hotel Operations 
•  The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Hotel Leadership 

Unique Hospitality Research Paper Topics

•  The Impact of Feng Shui in Hotel Design and Guest Satisfaction 
•  The Use of Scent Marketing in Enhancing the Guest Experience 
•  The Role of Astronomy Tourism in Dark Sky Destinations 
•  Hospitality for Space Travel: Preparing for a New Frontier 
•  The Influence of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Hotel Stays 
•  The Revival of Historic Hotels: Challenges and Success Stories 
•  Gaming and Virtual Reality Integration in Hotel Entertainment 
•  Culinary Tourism and Edible Landscapes in Restaurants 
•  The Art of Mixology: Craft Cocktails in Modern Bars 
•  Hospitality as a Platform: Cross-Industry Collaborations in Guest Services

Hospitality Management Research Topics in the Philippines

•  The Impact of Ecotourism on Philippine Local Economies 
•  Local Food Sourcing and Sustainability in Filipino Restaurants 
•  Community-Based Tourism Initiatives in the Philippines 
•  Promoting Filipino Hospitality and Cuisine through Social Media 
•  Adapting to the ‘New Normal’: Challenges and Opportunities in Philippine Hospitality 
•  Cultural Festivals and Their Role in Philippine Tourism 
•  Boutique Hotels and Their Contribution to Philippine Tourism 
•  Sustainable Practices in the Philippine Hotel Industry 
•  Tourism and Indigenous Communities: Social and Economic Impacts 
•  COVID-19 and Its Effects on Philippine Hospitality: Lessons Learned 
• Tourism in the Philippines: Addressing Overcrowding and Overtourism

Challenges Face By Students During Hospitality Management Research 

Here are some challenges that are faced by students during hospitality Management research:

• Complexity of the Industry: The multifaceted nature of the hospitality industry demands an in-depth understanding of various sectors, making it challenging to focus on a specific research area.
• Data Collection: Gathering reliable and relevant data can be a hurdle, as it often requires cooperation from industry partners or access to real-time customer data.
• Changing Trends: Hospitality is constantly evolving with emerging trends and technologies. Students must keep up with these changes to ensure their research remains current.
• Cultural Diversity: The global nature of the industry means that students may encounter challenges when conducting research in culturally diverse settings, from language barriers to understanding local customs.
• Ethical Considerations: Studying the hospitality industry may involve complex ethical dilemmas, such as privacy concerns or the impact of research on businesses and employees.
• Resource Constraints: Access to resources for research, such as funding, relevant literature, and technology, can be limited, especially for students with tight budgets.
• Time Management: Balancing coursework, internships, and research can be demanding. Students often struggle with time management to meet deadlines and make progress in their research endeavors.

Hospitality Management Research is like the secret ingredient that makes hotels and restaurants better. It’s all about creating enjoyable experiences for guests, ensuring businesses run smoothly, and even being kind to our planet. As we’ve explored a wide range of research topics, it’s clear that this field is ever-evolving and holds countless opportunities for students and professionals alike.

By understanding the importance of research in enhancing guest satisfaction, improving business operations, and promoting sustainability, we can appreciate the immense impact it has on the hospitality industry. So, whether you’re a student or a business owner, keep exploring, innovating, and embracing the world of hospitality management research to ensure a brighter and more delightful future for all.

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130+ Hospitality Research Topics: Great Ideas

A research paper is mandatory for all students to graduate from a course, including hospitality courses. Research in the hospitality industry can be easy if you have the right topic. So, one of the first things you should prioritize before starting your hospitality research is finding an excellent topic.

Great Hospitality Industry Research Topics

Argumentative essay topics for research in hospitality industry, creative hospitality management research topics, social media research topic about hospitality industry, excellent research title about hospitality management, tourism and hospitality research topics for stem, sustainability research topics for tourism and hospitality, amazing research title about hospitality industry, top hotel and restaurant management thesis topics in the philippines, research topics in hospitality management for social students, research topic for hospitality management for economy students, outstanding research title for hospitality management students, leading thesis title for hospitality management.

A good topic for research in hospitality will serve as the foundation for your paper. It will also attract readers and trigger interest in your paper. Are you looking for a research title in the hospitality industry that guarantees a top grade? Check out the following examples in this article:

Research topics on the hospitality industry should focus on the key and hot topics faced in the sector. Here is a list of research titles for hotel and restaurant management:

• The origin and meaning of the word hospitality
• How different cultures view hospitality
• An in-depth look into the impacts of the COVID pandemic on the hospitality sector
• Hospitality and tourism: what is the link?
• Hospitality and hotel management: a comprehensive analysis
• The role of hospitality in the tourism sector
• Essential elements of the hospitality sector
• A strategic analysis of the hospitality sector in your country
• Etiquette in the hospitality sector
• Hospitality industry wages: what is fair?

An argumentative essay topic should state your opinion on a subject so you can argue it in the essay. Some argumentative essay topics on the hospitality industry are:

• Travel bans triggered by the COVID pandemic negatively impacted the hospitality sector
• The impacts of global trends on the hospitality sector
• Hospitality ethics: an in-depth analysis
• The relationship between a host and guest about hospitality
• The contributions of the hospitality sector to global economic growth
• Sustainability as a global trend in the hospitality sector
• The development of sustainability in the hospitality sector
• Challenges encountered by the hospitality sector in the 21 st century
• Technology as a tool for change in the hospitality sector
• Hospitality in Christian and Islam culture

Creativity is a vital element when choosing a research topic. It will make your essay stand out and attract readers. Here are some great examples of research topics about hospitality management and their reasons:

• Qualities of an effective hotel manager
• How customer service can influence the quality of hotel management
• Full-service vs. limited-service hotels: the difference in their hotel management
• How large hotels conduct revenue management
• Hotel management in European nations
• How can hotel management impact an establishment’s success?
• Financial accounting is a critical part of hotel management
• Hotel management: a comprehensive overview
• The impact of the internet on hotel management
• The role of hotel management on guest satisfaction rates

You should always find social media research topics for your hospitality research paper. Check out the following hospitality research topics:

• The impact of social media on the hospitality sector
• How companies in the hospitality sector take advantage of the power of the internet
• The social media influencer trend and its impact on the hospitality sector
• How hospitality practitioners use the internet to enhance their services
• Hospitality training and the internet
• Technology as a tool for hospitality training
• The role of the internet in hospitality diversification
• Social media and its impact on hospitality diversification
• Strategic ways for hospitality companies to take advantage of technology and the internet
• Social media and hospitality: the correlation

An excellent research title can play a vital role in earning good grades. Find a sample of a thesis statement about social media and more titles about hospitality management below:

• What is the role of a hotel manager
• Types of hotel managers in large establishments
• Core issues in the hospitality management sector
• Salary expectations for hotel managers
• The core roles of facility managers in the hospitality sector
• Hospitality as a virtue independent of the hospitality sector
• Factors that prevent hospitality managers from providing effective services
• Hotel marketing management: a comprehensive assessment
• Hotel revenue management: a comprehensive assessment
• Hotel management in your country

Tourism and hospitality often go hand in hand. So, you can cover the two elements in your research paper if you have an ideal topic that brings these concepts together. Check out the following research topics for STEM students :

• The tourism and hospitality sector after the coronavirus pandemic
• The long-term effects of travel bans on the tourism and hospitality sector
• What is the way forward for the tourism and hospitality sector after the pandemic?
• Online tourism: an in-depth analysis
• Advances in the tourism and hospitality sector
• Social advancing and tourism management: a comprehensive overview
• Medical tourism: an analysis
• Impacts of social media on the tourism and hospitality sector
• Impacts of government regulations on the tourism and hospitality sector
• The impacts of natural hazards on the tourism and hospitality sector

Sustainability research topics are critical for all tourism and hospitality students. Find research topics and ideas for tourism students related to sustainability below:

• Sustainability in the tourism sector
• Tourism sustainability: perspectives of guests and practitioners
• Sustainable tourism as a tool for heritage and culture preservation
• A study of sustainable tourism in mountainous destinations
• The practice of sustainable tourism in island destinations
• Challenges encountered in sustainable tourism
• The impacts of sustainable tourism on the digital world
• Sustainable tourism efforts for disaster prevention
• The impacts of the pandemic on sustainable tourism
• How is sustainable tourism measured?

A creative research title will show your reader what to expect from the rest of your paper. It creates a good first impression. Find a good thesis title or professional thesis writer about the hospitality industry below:

• Tourism marketing and sustainable tourism: an in-depth study
• Hospitality and tourism in emerging economies
• The correlation between ecotourism and sustainable tourism
• The impacts of politics in the hospitality sector
• An evaluation of local tourism and hospitality sectors
• The profitability of the hospitality sector
• How governments can improve their hospitality sectors
• The effect of local communities on the hospitality and tourism sector
• Sustainability is a critical trend in the hospitality sector
• A comparative analysis of the hospitality sector in the US and Europe

Hotel and restaurant management are significant topics in the Philippines. So, writing a good essay on these topics can come in handy for your academic performance. Find a good research title about hotel and restaurant management below:

• Hotel and restaurant management ethics in the Philippines
• Hotel and restaurant management laws in the Philippines
• Why should hotels invest in restaurants?
• The concept of perverse hospitality in the Philippines
• Hotel and restaurant management salaries in the Philippines
• The role of the Philippino government in hotel and restaurant management policies
• Strict hotel and restaurant management policies in the Philippines
• Smoking bans in hotels in the Philippines
• Fair wages in the hotel and restaurant management sector in the Philippines
• The concept of hospitality in Philippino hotel and restaurant management

Students studying social sciences can write research papers on hospitality management because these subjects are related. Find a research topic about hospitality management that covers social issues below. All social issues research topics are actionable.

• Hospitality training for hotel workers
• Flight attendants and hospitality: an overview
• How to conduct hospitality training for flight attendants
• How hotel managers can maximize profits in the hospitality sectors
• Challenges experienced in hospitality management
• Barriers to success in hospitality management
• The value of the hospitality sector for the global economy
• Hospitality management and augmented reality: an in-depth overview
• Safety precautions in hospitality management since the CORONA pandemic
• How local governments depend on the hospitality sector

The hospitality management sector and the economy industry often influence each other. So, you can write a paper that explains their link. Here are some economic research paper topics in hospitality management:

• How hospitality economics impact overall country economics
• How the hospitality sector can improve their profits
• Challenges hindering the hospitality sector from growth
• Hospitality laws and profitability: the correlation
• The best ways the hospitality market can improve their finance management
• Finance management in hospitality: an overview
• Personalization as a tool for promoting growth in the hospitality sector
• Countries that benefit the most from the hospitality sector
• Inbound tourism: its impact on the global economy
• Tourism and hospitality as tools for economic growth

Hospitality management is a popular course; all students must complete a research paper to graduate. So, you ought to be creative with your paper, especially the title, so it does not look like anyone else’s. Let us look at some excellent hospitality management thesis topics:

• The best tourist attractions
• Tourism management perceptions according to various cultures
• Diverse views of hospitality management
• Can hospitality management be taught?
• An in-depth look at ways hospitality management can be trained
• Hospitality management training for restaurant workers
• Key elements in hotel management
• How hotel management can influence its customer satisfaction rates
• How many managers should a hotel have
• Management and hospitality: a comprehensive guide

The hospitality management sector is prone to many changes. So you can easily find a current topic for your research paper. As you check out the hospitality thesis topics highlighted below, take some time to read about anatomy research paper topics .

• How competitive is the hospitality management sector?
• Causes of the high turnover in the hospitality sector
• Strategies that guide management organizations in the hospitality
• Hospitality management in Australia
• How the hospitality sector does employee management
• Basic training elements for hospitality management
• What type of training do hospitality management practitioners go through?
• The value of hospitality management
• Changes in hospitality management brought about by the internet
• How online reviews influence the hospitality management sector

Choosing the right topic is the first step to writing a good research or thesis paper in hospitality management. However, many students struggle to prepare quality research papers. If you are one of such students, worry not because we have got you covered.

You can trust us with your research paper writing needs. Our writers will help you create a paper that matches your quality topic to earn you excellent grades. Contact our writers today and get your quality research paper in no time. Feel free to read more on biochemistry topics .

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Qualitative Research in Tourism

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Qualitative research refers to research applying a methodology as well as one of a range of methods, which seeks to explore, interpret, understand, and potentially intervene into a given field or issue under study. Qualitative research in tourism takes its inspiration primarily from the humanities and the social sciences, such as cultural geography, anthropology, and sociology. Most often, the aim is to explore and search for meaning or to develop an understanding through the crafting of “thick” descriptions or the generation of other types of rich material, which may become subject to interpretation. It seeks to avoid making generalizations, grand claims, and reductions. Consequently, it strives to critically reflect on research positionality and to remain sensitive to power relations and ambiguity.

The concept of qualitative research covers a range of methodologies but is usually contrasted with and seen in opposition to quantitative and deductive research, as it attempts to...

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Ateljevic, I., A. Pritchard, and N. Morgan, eds. 2007. The Critical Turn in Tourism Studies: Innovative Research Methodologies . London: Elsevier.

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Beard, L., C. Scarles, and J. Tribe. 2016. Mess and method: Using ANT in tourism research. Annals of Tourism research 60: 97–110.

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Denzin, N.K., and Y.S. Lincoln. 2018. Introduction. In The Sage handbook of qualitative research , ed. N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln, 5th ed., 1–26. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Franklin, A., and M. Crang. 2001. The Trouble with Tourism and Travel Theory? Tourist Studies 1: 5–22.

Ivanova, M., D.M. Buda, and E. Burrai. 2020. Creative and disruptive methodologies in tourism studies. Tourism Geographies : 1–10.

Jamal, T., and K. Hollinshead. 2001. Tourism and the Forbidden Zone: The Underserved Power of Qualitative Inquiry. Tourism Management 22: 63–82.

Phillimore, J., and L. Goodman, eds. 2004. Qualitative Research in Tourism: Ontologies, Epistemologies and Methodologies . London: Routledge.

Ren, C. 2021. (Staying with) the trouble with tourism and travel theory? Tourist Studies 20: 1–8.

Riley, R., and L. Love. 2000. The State of Qualitative Tourism Research. Annals of Tourism Research 27: 164–187.

Wilson, E., P. Mura, S.P. Sharif, and S.N. Wijesinghe. 2020. Beyond the third moment? Mapping the state of qualitative tourism research. Current Issues in Tourism 23: 795–810.

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Ren, C. (2023). Qualitative Research in Tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_426-2

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Tourism refers to an activity of taking a break from a busy work life and travelling to different places for amusement or recreation purposes. It has become an important source of economic progress for many countries. Tourism research can help explore factors that contribute to economic progress. Choosing interesting tourism dissertation topics can provide students with the opportunity to recommend tourism development strategies.

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Thesis topics in tourism marketing and international tourism, how to draft a good dissertation topic for tourism and hospitality management dissertation.

A good topic is crucial for a quality dissertation and a high score in the tourism module. To find a topic for your research, explore your interests and look for related literature online or discuss with your supervisor. You can also review the list provided above.

Here, are some listed research topics for tourism industry that will help you select a topic that meets your tourism research interests;

• Dissertation topics in tourism management  
• Travel and tourism dissertation topics 
• Eco-tourism dissertation topics 
• Tourism marketing dissertation topics

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Research paper topics for students: tourism

Here are a few topics to help you write your research paper: the benefit of tourism on the economy, different types of tourism and consumers, new technologies and digitalisation, the importance of social media in the tourism industry, tourism marketing.

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Topic 1 - The benefit of tourism for the economy Topic 2 - Different types of tourism and consumers Topic 3 - Tourism, new technologies and digitalisation Topic 4 - The importance of social media in the tourism industry Topic 5 - Tourism marketing

Topic 1 - The benefit of tourism for the economy

The notions of tourism and economy are closely linked. Choose a country and explain the concepts and multiple forms of tourism in this country. Then define the economy in relation to tourism. How can tourism benefit the economy of a country? List the advantages of tourism from an economical point of view in the short run, medium run and the long run. The relationship between politics and tourism is obvious, so you can be brief. Give examples of towns or districts that are popular in the tourism industry of your chosen country, do not forget to talk about the economical consequences.

Topic 2 - Different types of tourism and consumers

Various forms of tourism have developed as generations have evolved. Define tourism and analyse the evolution of the consumers' expectations over the years. How can innovation attract consumers in the tourism industry? Study the new generation of consumers and how they travel and want to travel. Present all forms of tourism, the pros and cons, and the reason why consumers are drawn to them. It is important to emphasise one form of tourism, in particular, that attracts new generations of travellers. It is also interesting to give details about how research for innovations are made in this industry, how to attract consumers and what criteria travel agencies and other players use to achieve their goal.

Topic 3 - Tourism, new technologies and digitalisation

Almost every industry has experienced the rapid arrival of new technologies, which has deeply affected the way they work. Things have evolved in the tourism industry, nowadays consumers can select among a wide range of destinations, each more advanced than the next in terms of accommodation and equipment. How can new technologies be essential to the tourism industry? Highlight the different forms of tourism and the technologies used in each. You can provide examples or a case study.

Topic 4 - The importance of social media in the tourism industry

Social media has grown rapidly over the past few years and for good reason; an increasing number of people spend a lot of time on these platforms. This trend was quickly harnessed by the numerous business sectors to develop their image. What are the benefits of social media for tourism today? Define the various strategic roles of social media in the tourism industry and compare the industry, before and after they were introduced. Select one particular type of tourism and study how it is highlighted on the most used platform, eg. Facebook and Instagram.

Topic 5 - Tourism marketing

How does tourism marketing successfully gain market share in the tourism industry? Start by listing various types of marketing and draw a parallel with the different forms of tourism. Each has its own marketing strategy which they deem to be most successful and most relevant. Add a few lines on the role the internet and social media play in the strategies. Select a form of tourism and study its communication, marketing strategy, etc.

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Tourism » Tourism Dissertation Topics (26 Examples) For Academic Research

Tourism Dissertation Topics (26 Examples) For Academic Research

Mark Dec 25, 2019 Jun 5, 2020 Tourism No Comments

The field of tourism has evolved tremendously with time and has attracted many students to conduct research related to different areas. This article aims to help the students in choosing the most appropriate tourism dissertation topic from the list of tourism dissertation topics and project topics on tourism. The list of tourism dissertation topics provides […]

The field of tourism has evolved tremendously with time and has attracted many students to conduct research related to different areas. This article aims to help the students in choosing the most appropriate tourism dissertation topic from the list of tourism dissertation topics and project topics on tourism. The list of tourism dissertation topics provides interesting ideas related to different aspects of tourism. Our team of expert writers can help you with all stages of the dissertation writing process.

You can select research topics on tourism, and we can help you in completing your research.

A list Of tourism dissertaton topics

Studying the concept of eco-tourism and eco-tourism destinations in the world.

Implications of the internet and iPhone applications on the travel industry.

Examining the factors that affect the tourist’s decisions to travel.

To study the concept of dark tourism and how it is affecting the tourism rates.

To compare the competitiveness in the travel and tourism sector of both developing and developed nations.

To what extent does the internet affect the travel and tourism sector in the UK.

Studying the use of ICT in analysing the preferences of tourists related to travel locations.

Conducting a literature review on the factors influencing tourism needs, demands, and perceptions.

How health tourism is helping India in improving its economy.

The relationship between geo-tagging and tourist mobility.

Analysing the functional performance of the tour operators and their recommendations related to travel destinations.

Managing travel and tourist’s marketing post disasters.

To what extent the environmental conditions affect the tourist decision-making process.

Identifying how the standards of sustainability differ from country to country taking the case of three developed countries.

To find out whether the resource-based approach can promote sustainable tourism?.

Analysing the importance of creating awareness related to conservation of natural resources for responsible and sustainable tourism.

Studying the Trip Advisor Effect on the behaviour and choices of tourists.

How does environmental management system contribute to the effectiveness of the tourism industry?

To study the impact of natural disasters on the experiences of tourists.

How can countries manage the demand and supply balance in tourism?

To what extent the concept of international education is affecting the tourism rate in the case of developed nations.

Evaluating the perception and attitude towards eco-tourism and dark tourism.

To identify strategies that can help countries in increasing their tourism rates.

How tourism can help poor countries in enhancing their economic conditions.

Comparing the rating of best tourism destinations for the past 10 years.

How countries can promote educational tourism programs?

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Tourism research from its inception to present day: Subject area, geography, and gender distributions

Andrei p. kirilenko.

The Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Svetlana Stepchenkova

Associated data.

All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files; the methodology for data acquisition is fully described in the manuscript.

This paper uses text data mining to identify long-term developments in tourism academic research from the perspectives of thematic focus, geography, and gender of tourism authorship. Abstracts of papers published in the period of 1970–2017 in high-ranking tourist journals were extracted from the Scopus database and served as data source for the analysis. Fourteen subject areas were identified using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) text mining approach. LDA integrated with GIS information allowed to obtain geography distribution and trends of scholarly output, while probabilistic methods of gender identification based on social network data mining were used to track gender dynamics with sufficient confidence. The findings indicate that, while all 14 topics have been prominent from the inception of tourism studies to the present day, the geography of scholarship has notably expanded and the share of female authorship has increased through time and currently almost equals that of male authorship.

1. Introduction

Recent years have evidenced an increased interest to tourism as a knowledge system [ 1 ] and to bibliometric analysis of tourism research output [ 2 – 6 ]. Systematic evaluation of scientific output in a particular field of study using bibliometrics (statistical analysis of publications) is usually conducted from one of three main perspectives: an individual author, an academic journal, and an academic field [ 7 ]. At the individual author level, authorship is examined in terms of academic leadership, productivity, and collaborative networks, using indicators such as the number of publications (e.g., [ 8 ]), impact (mainly through citation analysis, e.g., [ 9 ]), co-citations (e.g., [ 2 ]), and co-authorship statistics [ 5 , 10 ]. At the academic journal level, studies are primarily concerned with issues of knowledge dissemination and transfer as well as journal quality and impacts [ 11 – 13 ]. Such studies are often used as guidelines to evaluate the quality of research output in academic institutions, make funding decisions, and help institutions formulate recommendations for tenure and promotion.

From the macro-level viewpoint of the academic field itself, which is the focus of this study, systematic examination of published scholarship is used to track evolution of the discipline, identify new trends and developments, point to gaps in knowledge and areas of inconsistency in research findings, suggest directions for future research, and, more generally, provide an up-to-date overview of the field [ 6 , 14 ]. For such a wide-ranging and diverse discipline as tourism, which is infused with contributions from various fields of inquiry, the analysis of its structural properties is of a particular value. Such analyses can outline not only current relationship dynamics of tourism with the ‘traditional’ study areas like sociology or marketing but also with more closely connected areas such as hospitality or leisure studies. For example, research by Cheng et al. [ 15 ] revealed that scholarly tourism journals have been diverging from leisure and well-being domain from which tourism research originated.

Evaluation of scholarly contributions in a particular field of study has social significance as well [ 7 , 15 ]. Two issues of social importance, in particular, have attracted attention from tourism researchers: geography and gender. Strong interest to these issues from the community of tourism scholars is manifested in conferences’ academic agendas, calls for papers for special journal issues, and recurring debates in professional networks such as TRINET. With respect to the geography issue, a long-standing concern has been the existing dominance of the Western perspective in tourism research and the underrepresentation of views not encompassed by the Western philosophical, social, and political tradition [ 16 , 17 ]. While geography typically represented by the first author’s institution cannot be equated with study’s perspective, viewpoint, or philosophy, the growing diversity in geography of tourism scholarship could serve as a feasible proxy.

Similarly, issues of gender parity in research, journal editorship, and education and administration have been brought into focus [ 18 , 19 ]. A recent issue of Anatolia journal, which is entirely devoted to the topic of gender in tourism academy, argues that “[g]iven that gender is so central to our identity formation and the structures of our societies, we question how it can be received as peripheral to the dominant discussions of the evolution of tourism knowledge and research production” [ 19 ]. In the articles tracking the scholastic achievement, the gender-related findings are typically reduced to the statements of women’s underrepresentation in the ‘most productive scholars’ lists (e.g., [ 20 ]). The direct tracing of the dynamics of gender representation in tourism scholarship has not yet been conducted. This is not surprising considering the variety of names from various corners of the world that are present in scholarly output and, until recently, the lack of methods to track the gender attribution of these names with high degree of confidence.

Recent developments in natural language processing and text mining allow analyses of voluminous data corpora that were not possible before. A document like an academic article deals with several issues at once and, thus, belongs to several subject areas, albeit with different ‘strength’ [ 21 , 22 ]. However, determining topical ‘strength’ has been a persistent problem in content analysis until very recently. The unsupervised classifiers such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) or Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and supervised classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), or Naïve Bayes deliver classification of documents into multiple categories, with category weights numerically expressed. Categories and their weights are discerned based on clusters of words that repeatedly co-occurred in textual segments, providing a more measured and objective classification. Further, with development of probabilistic methods of gender identification based on social network data mining and availability of online gender name-databases, the issue of gender identification in academic scholarship can be tackled with high degree of confidence. While text data mining methods have been percolating into tourism research (e.g., [ 23 , 24 ]), study utilizing text mining approaches for content analysis of unstructured data are still in single digits [ 25 – 27 ]. Thus, recent methodological developments paved the way to the analyses conducted in this study to determine as objectively as possible subject areas of tourism research and their evolution over more than 40 years, as well as geography and gender distribution of tourism scholarship.

2. Tourism scholarship: Literature review

In bibliographic studies, the ancillary information that accompanies each journal publication (e.g., year of publishing or number of citations) allows quick summaries, aggregation, and production of trends. The textual information, however, contained in the articles or their abstracts is more difficult to summarize and interpret. Studies that are concerned with subject areas of tourism research and/or developments in the field method-wise lean to one of the two main approaches: content analysis or quantitative relational analysis. Content analysis and its multiple variants include categorization of textual units using pre-specified or inductively derived lists of disciplinary foci, topical areas, keywords, or headwords, producing frequency counts with subsequent tabulation. The relational approach is an assemblage of quantitative techniques (e.g., co-citation analysis, network analysis) that compute similarity scores between units of analysis (e.g., articles or their authors) with subsequent clustering of those units and then visualize solutions with drafted networks of related articles/citations, scholars, and fields of study [ 6 , 10 , 28 ]. So far, the content analysis approach has been more popular with tourist researchers; however, relational techniques are gaining grounds with latest development in computational methods (see Table 1 ).

* ATR—Annals of Tourism Research; CHQ—Cornell Hospitality Quarterly; CIT—Current Issues in Tourism; IJHM—International Journal of Hospitality Management; IJTA—International Journal of Tourism Analysis; IJTR—International Journal of Tourism Research; JHTR—Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research; JRR—Journal of Recreation Research; JST—Journal of Sustainable Tourism; JTR—Journal of Travel Research; JTS—Journal of Tourism Studies; JTTM—Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing; JVM—Journal of Vacation Marketing; SJHT—Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism; TA -Tourism Analysis; TCC—Tourism Culture and Communication; TE—Tourism Economics; TG—Tourism Geographies; THR—Tourism and Hospitality Research; TM—Tourism Management.

** SVM—Support Vector Machine; LDA—Latent Dirichlet Allocation

2.1. Content analysis studies

An example of content analysis with pre-identified or inductively inferred categories would be Strandberg et al. [ 29 ] who evaluated scholarship published in journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research using 18 study areas provided by the journal itself as its scientific scope: “hospitality and tourism operations, marketing and consumer behavior, HR management, eTourism/eTravel. technology, planning and development, policy, performance and financial management, strategic implications, environmental aspects, forecasting and prediction, revenue management, impact assessment and mitigation, globalization, research methodologies, leisure and culture, risk management, and change management” (p. 9). The researchers added one more category, education, and coded 292 collected papers by their primary themes. Using three sequential 5-year periods, the authors were able to follow the dynamics of the primary themes in the journal scholarship.

Park et al. [ 30 ] identified 20 subject areas of tourism research published in six major tourism and hospitality journals (2,834 articles in total), drawing on previous studies and expert opinions. These areas included “attraction management; crisis and safety management; destination marketing and management; tourism development and residence perception; economic impact and econometrics; education; geographical issues; general marketing; image and branding; information technology; meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions, including festivals and fairs; tourism planning; politics, policy, legal, and governmental issues; supply chain management; market segmentation; special interests tourism; service management; sustainable tourism and eco-tourism; tourists’ perceptions and behavior; and other” (p. 384). Classification articles into these pre-established categories was conducted by checking their title, abstract, keywords, and, in some of the cases, the entire content of the paper.

Ballantyne et al.[ 32 ] examined 2,868 academic articles published in 12 major tourism journals from the list provided by McKercher et al. [ 12 ] for a 20-year period (1994–2004), categorizing them into 21 topical areas. The areas were inductively derived based on examination of randomly drawn 200 articles from the total pool: tourist/visitor studies; destinations; tourism planning; marketing; cultural tourism; economic issues; tourism impacts; tourism trends; tourism research issues & methods; hospitality; eco-tourism; sustainable development; special events; transport; management; human resource management; environmental interpretation; tourism policy; tourism education and training; business tourism; and sports and leisure (p. 150). ‘Manual’ approach to content analysis required the researchers to select a stratified random subsample of 144 articles in order to provide a more detailed analysis of research trends in top four subject areas and scholarship in top three journals.

An example of content analysis using ‘proxy’ data is demonstrated by Cheng et al. [ 15 ] who identified the disciplinary foci of 59 tourism-related journals and tracked changes over three time periods. Researchers evaluated 21 disciplinary foci provided in the Goeldner et al. [ 33 ] list (e.g., anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, marketing, etc.), found the list insufficient, and added eight supplementary disciplinary focuses: cultural/heritage study; management and administration; finance; computer science/technology; gerontology; literature; medicine, and philosophy/religion. Then, journal mission statements were examined to identify the disciplinary areas on which each particular journal was focusing. At this step, researchers followed the protocol of content analysis and calculated the inter-rater agreement. The final counts were used to illustrate growth of tourism-related disciplinary foci over time.

2.2. Relational techniques

As can be seen from the discussed examples, the content analysis approach and its results are dependent on the researcher’s individual perspective in selecting categories for coding. Further, since the coding involves human raters, the more complex the system of categories is, the more difficult it is to maintain the efficiency of the analysis and the adequate inter-rater reliability. Journal articles are multidimensional textual units, but raters must force them into a specific topical category, introducing another source of bias based on raters’ preferences. One of the ways to escape the problem with uni-dimensionality would be to use an article’s ‘tagging words’ provided by the authors themselves (keywords) or by the journal (headwords). Thus, Swain et al. [ 31 ] identified subject areas of papers published in Annals of Tourism Research based on headwords taken from the journal’s subject index. Top ten out of 1,830 headwords were: impacts; organizations; development; research & development; United States; Third World; tourism; international tourism; planning; transport; tourism, study of; hotel; and conferences [ 31 ]. The words were interpreted as indicative of topical research interests.

Similarly, Xiao and Smith [ 14 ] used the Annals’ subject index to discern the knowledge domains in the journal papers. Fifty-two headwords were identified that represented eight subject areas which citation frequencies were rising: “typology of tourists, community and development, alternative experience/product, sociocultural aspects and change, geopolitical regions/focus, literature/research/methods, marketing and management, and environment” (p. 496). Twenty-seven headwords were grouped into nine categories of decreasing popularity: “economics, industry and transportation, hospitality, recreation, impacts, North America, tourism (in a conventional/narrow sense), Third World, and sociology” (p. 496). The authors, however, acknowledged that the keyword and headword analyses provided inconsistent results, highlighting the subjectivity of the selected tagging words, as well as a large amount of subjective reasoning involved in aggregating the tagging words into larger themes or categories [ 31 ].

The information that is common to any two articles, whether it is keywords, headwords, authors, or references, allows for producing measures of similarity that can serve as a foundation for quantitative relational techniques. For example, co-citation analysis is based on the idea that the more cited works the two particular articles share, the closer these two articles are conceptually [ 28 ]. Yuan et al. [ 6 ] employed a modification of co-citation analysis, which they named bibliographic coupling: “Quantitatively speaking, the more common references two papers cite, the more closely the two papers relate to each other and the higher its BC strength” (p. 5). The articles were clustered based on the similarity scores but cluster labeling, that is, identification of subject areas, involved reading titles and abstracts of articles in the individual clusters. To facilitate spotting topics for each cluster, text data mining approach was employed [ 34 ]; it generated the top five terms for each cluster for further labeling by two tourism field experts.

With more relevance to the goal of this particular paper, Mazanec [ 26 ] tested whether LDA and SVM text data mining methods can detect change in the language of tourism research in order to answer a broad question of “whether, over the decades, the study of tourism has changed focus and touched on new issues or has been largely reiterating traditional viewpoints” [ 26 ]. The study found statistically significant temporal differences in frequencies of identified word groups; however, the study did not interpret these word groups in terms of research topics, or subject areas and advocated pursuing the scientific issue of text mining further to detect the reasons and contents of change. With this in mind, the study identified three specific research questions for investigation: (1) What are the subject areas in tourism research from its inception in the early 1970s to the present day and their temporal dynamics? (2) Where did tourism research develop and what is the spatial dynamics of its geography? (3) What is the gender of tourism scholarship and its temporal distribution? The study aims at objective and reliable identification of spatiotemporal distributions of tourism subject areas, geography, and gender using published tourism scholarship as the primary data source. The study selected LDA as a text mining method, which is described in section 3.2.

3.1 Data collection

We collected abstracts from the “Big Three” [ 35 ] tourism journals: Annals of Tourism Research ( ATR ), Journal of Travel Research ( JTR ), and Tourism Management (together with its predecessor, the International Journal of Tourism Management ) ( TM ) for a period of more than 40 years. These three foremost journals in the tourism field have maintained their leading positions for a long time, as confirmed by their journal rankings ( www.scimagojr.com ), impact factors, citation indices, and published literature reviews [ 5 , 7 , 12 , 13 , 35 , 36 ]. They can be viewed as analogous to ‘prestige press’ newspapers in political, media, and communication studies that act as trendsetters in the field of tourism research [ 8 , 10 , 14 , 26 , 31 , 37 , 38 ]. Abstracts rather than whole documents were selected as the most precise and concise representation of articles’ essence, including its subject area.

All the abstracts stored in the Scopus publication database for these three journals were downloaded, resulting in 8,890 article abstracts with publication dates ranging from 1974 until August 2017. Note that the publication date may differ from the date an article becomes available to readers. Standard procedures of data quality control were then applied (e.g., [ 39 ]). First, changing data formatting issues were resolved. Then, abstracts from other journals accidentally included in the database and duplicate entries were removed, resulting in 7,427 articles. Of these entries, 6,110 papers included abstracts ( ATR : 1,676 abstracts; JTR : 1,413 abstracts; and TM : 3,021 abstracts). The entries with missing abstracts mainly represented editorials, reviews, and similar publications; also note that the practice of requiring the abstracts was not yet firmly established at the beginning of the search period. Those entries without abstracts were used in the geographical and gender trend analysis, but not in the subject area content analysis.

Collected publication metadata contained the following information: publication ID in Scopus database; ISSN; title; date, volume, issue, and number of pages of the publication; name and affiliation of the first author; and the number of papers citing the publication. The author affiliation field was missing for 6.3% of entries, the author’s name was missing in 0.9%, and all other fields were missing in less than 0.1% of entries. Fig 1 shows the temporal distribution of collected data. Only the first author’s name was present in Scopus database; thus, all 7,427 papers, including those with missing abstracts, were then processed through Microsoft Academic Search to extract the records for the remaining authors. This search identified 7,045 papers; 382 papers were not present in the Microsoft publication database.

Note that the reduced number of article in 2009 is not a data collection artifact: compare Tourism Management volume 28 (2007, 1592 pages), volume 30 (2009, 936 pages) and 32 (2011, 1496 pages). The solid line represents the total number of journal papers in Scopus database with and without the abstracts.

3.2 Content analysis with LDA

The Latent Dirichlet Allocation method (LDA) [ 40 ] models a collection of documents where each document contains multiple topics (latent variables) represented through its words (observed variables). The LDA approach then attempts to find latent topics based on the distribution of the observed words over the documents. The LDA model was successfully used to extract content from the abstracts of papers published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science [ 41 ]. Talley et al. [ 42 ] used a similar method to extract the topics from ca. 80,000 grant proposals that received awards form the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sugimoto et al. [ 43 ] applied LDA to the titles and abstracts of doctoral dissertations defended in library and information science with the goal of extracting dominant topics and identifying changes in the field over time. In the applied sciences, Moro et al. [ 44 ] analyzed the full texts of business intelligence publications with LDA and identified research trends and prospective research topics in the field. Sing et al. [ 45 ] used LDA to process over 25,000 abstracts from medical journals to identify research topics related to spinal care. Zhang et al. [ 46 ] used LDA to extract the topics from the abstracts of medical and biomedical papers published by 20 leading UK universities with the overall goal of estimating the “newsworthiness” of research in respective areas for the general mass media.

Extracting the subject areas of publications from the collected abstracts and examining their spatial and temporal variability was achieved by performing an automated search for similar patterns of words appearing in different documents. Formally, we constructed a probabilistic model of the abstracts collection through a Bayesian analysis of their texts. The analysis included the following steps, as outlined in [ 47 ]. Steps 1–8 were performed with the RapidMiner data mining platform [ 48 ], while Step 9 was performed with a program written in Python using an open-source Python LDA package ( http://pythonhosted.org/lda ):

• Tokenization: breaking the sentences into discrete words and word combinations;
• Part-of-speech (POS) tagging: marking each word in the sentence according to the corresponding part of speech;
• Removal of stop words: elimination of common words (such as “the”) in the English language that are irrelevant in identifying the specific themes appearing in the texts. The stop words include prepositions, articles, pro-nouns and other frequent words that are equally likely to be present in documents from different topics. We used the Porter stop word list supplied with RapidMiner platform and then a custom stop list ( S2 File );
• POS-based text reduction: elimination of all words other than those tagged as “noun” or “adjective”. Different types of automated text analysis concentrate on words from different POSs (e.g., adjectives are useful for sentiment analysis); however, topical analysis is primarily based on the texts’ nouns. It has been shown (e.g., [ 49 ]) that eliminating all other POS words improves article topic extraction. We found, however, that the inclusion of adjectives (e.g., “historical”, “authentic”, etc.) improves topic recognition in tourism related texts;
• Stemming: reducing inflected words to their word roots, performed using the Porter stemmer [ 50 ];
• Bigram collection: joining sequential tokens. Bigrams allow an analysis based on a group of words as opposed to a single word. For example, a documents containing words “tourism industry” would produce two unigram tokens: "tourism" and "industry" and one bigram: “tourism_industry”;
• Synonym replacement: merging words with identical meanings such as “tourism industry" and "tourist industry". See S2 File for the synonym list;
• Co-occurrence matrix creation: First, all words left in the documents are joined into a global dictionary containing N words. Then, each document is represented by an N-dimensional vector based on the presence or absence of a specific word from the dictionary in that document. Then, a co-occurrence matrix is formed by the vectors representing all documents. Three different schema of co-occurrence matrix creation were explored: binary term occurrence, term occurrence—inverse document occurrence (TF/IDF), and term occurrence. The term occurrence schema was selected because it returned the most consistent topics.
• Topic extraction with LDA. We used the latent Dirichlet allocation using Gibbs sampling Python package ( https://github.com/lda-project/lda ).
• Interpretation of words from identified latent topics as tourism concepts belonging to a particular subject area in tourism research.

The issues of selecting the number of topics (K) and values of the model parameters α and β are related to step 9 of LDA application. The formal method of selecting K value based on maximization of a model fit metrics (such as log likelihood) has been criticized in the literature for returning a very large number of topics, many of which are not semantically meaningful (e.g., see the influential paper by a team of researchers from Facebook, University of Maryland, and Princeton University [ 51 ]). Instead, it has been suggested that model selection should focus on topic interpretability because “there is no gold-standard list of topics to compare against for every [textual data] corpus” [ 51 ]. Subsequently, we processed the abstracts by extracting K latent topics, varying K from 10 to 30, and manually evaluating the extracted topics each time. We found that higher K values tended to return topics with similar content. In contrast, lower values of K tended to return very complex topics. Based on this preliminary analysis and following the recommendations in [ 51 ], we selected K value of 14.

Two other model parameters, α and β, define the theoretical distribution of topics over the documents. A literature review showed that the commonly accepted values are α ≈ 0.1 and β = [0.01, 0.1] (e.g., [ 41 ]), with a lower α returning fewer dominant topics per document and a lower β returning topics with less similarity. Accordingly, we selected α = 0.1 and β = 0.01. To validate the β selection, we additionally ran the model with the values β = 0.05 and β = 0.1 but found only insignificant changes in the topics expressed as a slightly higher degree of topic intersection.

4.1 Subject areas: What is being published?

The analysis of the abstracts resulted in a 14-topic solution, in which each topic was represented by multiple words with different weights. By consulting the original abstracts in the database for each topical cluster, the interpretive concepts for subject areas were identified. Then, these concepts were joined under one “umbrella” name. To provide an example, the ten most representative words for topic 5 were service , satisfaction , quality , value , relationship , attribute , custom , intention , brand , and airline ( Table 2 ). The interpretive concepts were identified as follows: customer satisfaction; service quality; purchase intention; value; and product attributes . These concepts were joined under the subject area ‘service quality and satisfaction’. To illustrate the result in more detail, we created a supplementary S1 File , which provides representative abstracts from the database that obtained the highest scores on their respective subject areas. The abstract with the highest score for the subject area "service quality and satisfaction" is presented below (1000 is the maximum score).

Each topic is represented by multiple terms; only the first ten words with the highest weights are included. Note that the original terms were represented by word roots; the terms were converted to representative nouns and adjectives to improve readability.

“In highly competitive markets , customer satisfaction is a key driver of performance , making its measurement and management crucial . Most studies on customer satisfaction take an aggregate standpoint and do not consider segment-specific differences in attribute importance . In this article , the authors report on customer satisfaction with alpine ski resorts . They hypothesize that personal , situational , and product factors moderate the relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction . The results show that these factors indeed influence the attribute-performance-satisfaction relationship . Theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed . ” (Score: 892; abstract # 42449160073.)

The temporal dynamics of popularity of any single subject area (as a share of the entire volume) changes across time ( Fig 2 ). For example, subject area ‘tourism demand’ (# 11) falls in popularity, while the popularity of ‘service quality and satisfaction’ (#5) increases. The comparative interest in the issues of sustainable tourism (# 13) and tourism and local communities (# 14) remains relatively constant. Overall, at present, across all three journals, the issues represented by subject areas ‘tourism as a social phenomenon’ (# 1), ‘service quality and satisfaction’ (# 5), and ‘tourist experience and motivation’ (# 8) are slightly more popular compared to the issues emphasized by other areas.

The results ( Table 3 , Fig 3 ) indicate that some of the identified topics are common to all three journals, while others are more journal-specific. According to LDA analysis, ATR is highly interested in studies that view tourism as a social phenomenon and involve a variety of disciplinary perspectives. This is quite consistent with the journal self-identification as a “social sciences journal focusing upon the academic perspectives of tourism. In this role, ATR is structured by the research efforts of a multidisciplinary community of scholars” [ 36 ]. Subject area of tourism as a social phenomenon, which draws heavily on theoretical developments in anthropology and sociology and heavily involves qualitative methods of analysis, is published disproportionately more often in ATR . LDA analysis identified the higher interest of TM in the issues related to tourism industry and tourism demand, as compared to the other two publications, consistent with TM orientation as an outlet “concerned with the planning and management of travel and tourism” [ 36 ]. JTR “focuses on travel and tourism behavior, management and development… with diversity in research topics and methodologies” [ 36 ]. In analysis, JTR emerged as a well-rounded journal topic-wise that demonstrates more interest in modeling and forecasting than do the other two journals and publishes more conference announcements, primarily for the TTRA annual conference.

The areas are numbered as follows: 1: Tourism as a social phenomenon; 2: Image and risk; 3: Attractions; 4: Tourism industry; 5: Service quality and satisfaction; 6: Modeling and forecasting; 7: Conferences; 8: Tourist experience and motivation; 9: Market segmentation; 10: Decision making process; 11: Tourism demand; 12: Governing tourism development; 13: Sustainable tourism; 14: Local communities.

*2017 data are extrapolated based on the first eight months of the year.

4.2 Geography: Where do they publish from?

We used the first author’s affiliation data to discern the geographical pattern of tourism research. In total, the tourism journals published papers led by authors from 83 countries ( Table 4 ). Fig 4 shows the change in the relative number of papers published in various countries over time. Note that the figure shows only countries from which at least 1% of the overall paper volume within the study period was published, or at least 3% of the number of papers within any sequential 5-year period. All other countries are merged into the “Other” category. Note also that while the affiliation was missing in only 6.3% of the papers, the distribution of the missing papers over time was not uniform. At the beginning of the research period (up to 1995), the percentage of papers with missing affiliations in each year was high (mean = 18%). However, in 1996 and beyond, the percentage of missing affiliations was sharply reduced (mean = 1%). In Fig 4 , the papers with missing affiliations are ignored.

Publication country is defined from the affiliation of the first author. The countries shown have at least 1% of the total number of publications or at least 3% of publications in any 5-yeat period. To smooth over temporal variability, the figure shows 5-year running mean.

*2017 data are extrapolated based on the first eight months of the year. Without extrapolation, the total number of publications is 6,110.

The distribution pattern in Fig 4 and the numbers from Table 4 indicate that articles from the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada account for a large portion of tourism scholarship, especially in the beginning of the study period. However, their relative combined output dropped from 64% in 1978–1987 to 43% in 2008–2017, while scholarship from countries such as Mainland China, Spain, and Taiwan grew noticeably. In particular, Mainland China increased its output from 1% in 1978–1987 to 5% in 2008–2017, or even more if we look only at the last few years depicted in Fig 4 . It is also worth noting that the Other category ( Table 4 ) accounts for 19% of the total scholarly output in the last period, compared to 6% at the beginning. The Other category includes 70 countries, of which the ten largest contributors are Austria, Norway, France, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Macao, Switzerland, Singapore, and Greece. The authors also visualized dynamics of geographical representation of various world regions (by the location of the first author’s institution) in tourism studies, using, for contrast, the earliest (1972–1987) and latest (2007–2017) periods ( Fig 5 ). The expansion to Asian, Middle East, African, and South American regions is clearly visible.

The color scale indicates percentage of papers coming from a specific country; papers with unknown authors’ affiliation are not taken into account. Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao are presented separately, following Scopus database format.

4.3 Gender: Who is publishing?

The authors’ gender was identified from their first names using the Genderize.io software, which predicts the probability of a specific name to belong to a certain gender from statistics extracted from social network accounts. For example, Genderize.io has 763 people whose first name is ‘Kim’ in its database; of these, 687 are females. Hence, the estimated probability of a person with the first name ‘Kim’ being a female is 90%. Only the authors whose gender was identified with at least 0.6 probability were retained; the rest of the authors were excluded, which resulted in 5,591 unique authors, including 3,064 unique first authors (which constitutes 79% / 80%, respectively, of the authors/first authors identified through Microsoft Academic search). The authors whose gender could not be clearly identified were mainly (1) those where the Microsoft Academic database included only initials, and (2) those with names from China. We speculate that the latter bias relates to the way the Genderize.io database was built: the gender was extracted from social network registration records. Because Chinese nationals are restricted in their use of the major international social networks such as Twitter and Facebook by the legislative and technological actions, the Genderize.io Chinese name base might be limited.

The results indicate that the percentage of papers authored by male tourism researchers has fallen steadily throughout the study period, from 93% in the 1970s to 60% in the 2010s ( Table 5 , column Total). The percentage of male scholars as first authors showed similar dynamics, falling from 93% in the 1970s to 57% in the 2010s ( Table 5 , column Male First Authors). The corresponding yearly dynamics are shown in Fig 6 ; note that the figure starts from 1976 to include only those years in which the genders of at least 20 first authors could be identified. Overall, through the years all journals display the same trend of increased share of female tourism scholarship, both within the authorship team and as the first author.

5. Discussion

Using a text mining approach, namely, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, the study identifies 14 subject areas in tourism scholarship from more than four decades of research. It concludes that LDA is sensitive enough to detect interpretable topics and their trends in large volumes of textual material. Drawing on Mazanec [ 26 ], the study contributes to tourism literature by extending methods for identification of subject areas from tracking separate words as indicators of research interest [ 14 , 31 ] to deriving latent topics via text mining algorithms. The findings indicate that the identified subject areas have been in existence for the whole period of analysis, yet fluctuations in interest to those research topics have been detected. It is important to notice that the existence of the same topics during 40 years does not mean that no innovations have occurred in how researchers address pertinent issues of these areas in terms of conceptual foundations, methods of analysis, or geographical context. A more finely granulated analysis would allow identification of more specific and detailed areas of study, as topics can fragment into sub-themes when different parameters for the analysis are chosen.

The most noticeable fluctuations in relative shares of the 14 identified knowledge domains ( Fig 4 ) reflect the growing interest of researchers to the tourist as an individual, rather than tourism industry as a system. This interest transcends in such topics as tourist experience and motivation (topic 8) as well as service quality and satisfaction (topic 5). All three journals, ATR, JTR, and TM, capture this interest to individual tourist experiences, while primarily JTR and TM reflect interest to issues of quality and satisfaction ( Table 3 ). The studies of tourism from the macro perspectives of Tourism industry (topic 4), Modeling and forecasting (topic 6), Market segmentation (topic 9), Governing tourism development (topic 12) demonstrate a steady performance or, as is the case with Tourism demand (topic 11), decreases throughout the years. It is still a question how much the identified dynamics are due to the actual interest of researchers in a particular knowledge domain and how much it is reflective of the “Big Three” journal policies and preferences. One has to bear in mind that four decades ago there were much fewer tourism journals than now; therefore, less “generalistic” and more “specialty” journals like for example Journal of Sustainable Tourism , Tourism Geographies , or Tourism Economics may have drawn towards themselves research on particular topics since they were established. However, since new journals have been created in all the areas of tourism studies in the considered time frame, if is not possible to numerically estimate the influence of their topical distribution to the study findings.

With respect to geographical dynamics of tourism scholarship, the findings indicate that it has been expanding (Figs ​ (Figs4 4 and ​ and5). 5 ). In Table 4 , the Other category contains a large share of countries, including Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Africa, India, Cyprus, Brazil, Poland, Thailand, and many others that are culturally different from the ‘collective West’ countries of the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Western Europe [ 52 ]. This expansion does not necessarily mean that a non-Western perspective is expanding as well, since authors from non-Western cultures can adopt a Western worldview, but encouraging nevertheless. Further, the identified themes mostly reflect tourism as an industry, emphasizing marketization and segmentation, management issues, demand and consumption, and hedonic orientation and are largely associated with the Western perspective in the studies of tourism [ 16 ]. It also seems that alternative, non-consumption-oriented themes are predominantly reflected in studies classified under the topics ‘tourism as a social phenomenon’ and ‘sustainable tourism.’ To verify this assumption, we examined LDA classifications of three articles presented by Higgins-Desbiolles [ 16 ] as reflecting a non-Western perspective on tourism: [ 53 – 55 ].

Inayatullah [ 55 ] addresses an Islamic outlook on tourism as haji , where “travel or the accumulation of wisdom, ilm , is the essence of Islam. Travelling, visiting wise people, finding holy sites, was an integral part of life” (p. 411). The LDA solution classified this paper as sustainable tourism (446), tourism as a social phenomenon (291), tourism experience and motivation (145), and conferences (145) (the weights shown in parentheses total 1,000). Berno [ 54 ] studies how Polynesian people from the Cook Islands engaged with tourism and integrated it into their value system. The article was classified as tourism as a social phenomenon (319), tourist experience and motivation (296), sustainable tourism (182), tourism industry (136), and governing tourism development (65). Finally, the article by Allcock and Przeclawski [ 53 ] is an introduction to an ATR thematic edition on tourism in centrally planned economies; it does not have an abstract and, therefore, was not classified. Consequently, we analyzed another paper [ 56 ] by the same first author found in our database. This paper addressed the potential of planned economies for tourism development and was classified as sustainable tourism (234), governing tourism development (214), tourism as a social phenomenon (112), tourism industry (112), tourism demand (88), service quality and satisfaction (65), image and risk (57), tourist experience and motivation (54), market segmentation (30), and conferences (29). The only three topics with zero weights were attractions, modeling and forecasting, and local communities. As evidenced by the provided examples, the assignment into topics is quite solid.

Gender wise, the study has shown that the presence of female scholarship in the body of tourism research has been steadily increasing throughout the years. This finding is consistent across several methods used. Moreover, the citations analysis does not indicate that currently the works by female authors are lesser sited ( Table 5 ). The authors want to note, however, that these results by themselves do not support or refute any claim or statement regarding whether the parity between male and female representation in tourism academia, research, or leadership has been reached [ 19 ]. However, the social progress through the years has been clearly demonstrated by the analysis, together with the positive developments in geographic location of research contributors. These two findings, together with identification of dominant subject areas in tourism research in an objective way via text mining methods are considered the main contributions of the article to the tourism literature.

5.1. Limitations and future research

It might seem that the solution is highly dependent on number K of topics chosen. However, in the authors’ experience, it is not so. The range of 10–30 solutions was examined, and, while some of the key words were re-distributed across the topics, the main themes were nevertheless present in the solution. It should also be noted that deriving a large number of topics introduces redundancy in interpretation that may be less convenient for making summaries [ 51 ]. Yet, using a larger number of topics is possible, as shown by Kirilenko and Stepchenkova [ 57 ] who employed principal component analysis to identify themes in public discourse on climate change. Importantly, the LDA approach demonstrated in this paper is scalable. Researchers can select a theme of interest, identify articles that pertain most strongly to this theme, and conduct LDA on that textual corpus to obtain various subtopics of the theme. Furthermore, when researchers know what words they want to track, they can easily do so; for example, it is quite possible to track the dynamics of SEM analysis, sentiment analysis, or some other method in tourism studies.

As can be seen from the examples in the preceding section, some topics have less “face validity” than others, namely, the topic labeled as ‘conferences’. To understand this issue better, note that the authors did not ‘sift through’ the abstracts downloaded from the Scopus database; therefore, not only research articles but other materials such as conference announcements and reports are also present in the database. The decision to keep these materials in the database was based on the following reasons: 1) ‘weeding out’ is largely a manual procedure [ 5 ] that is inherently subjective and hence to some degree negates the use of mostly automatic classification; 2) the share of such materials in the total textual corpus is small (our estimation is under six percent); and (3) these materials, while structurally different from research articles, also signal topical interest in tourism as a field of study.

Finally, this research is limited to the "Big Three" tourism journals: the most reputable, highly cited journals with a long history. Because of that, we presumed these journals to be representative of tourism- related literature. However, this might have made our results dependent to some degree on the methodological preferences of these journals’ editorial boards (e.g., for a hypothesis-driven as opposed to a data driven research such as one used as this paper). That raises a possibility of some cutting-edge tourism research topics shifting to other journals, escaping our analysis. One possible example of such topic would be climate change impact on tourism, which is mainly published in Journal of Sustainable Tourism or in high-ranking non-tourism journals such as Climatic Change. A wider data sample would present a clearer picture of the emerging topics and their contribution to overall tourism scholarship.

Supporting information

Funding statement.

The authors received no specific funding for this work.

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Latest Research Proposal-Prospectus Topics.

• While writing the research proposal for your thesis or developing a Research prospectus for your Ph.D .; ensure that you get a great topic idea and develop it into a researchable topic sentence.
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Tourism Research Topics - Latest Titles & Best Project Ideas

✔ During selection, narrow down the ideas to those you find interesting in class. When creating a topic for a tourism project , eliminate other topics you have learned until you are left with the ones you find fascinating. This can make the whole process of research to be fun for you compared to when you select an idea you find boring. Scholars tend to put more effort into interesting projects because they are curious to learn more which will be a plus.

✔ It is always advisable to consider the scope of your tourism research topic. During creation, it is advisable to modify an idea in a way that you will end up with a manageable idea. If that is not considered, you might find your study to be too narrow or wide making it difficult to get the best results. Your research topic must be easy to understand.

✔ Students should examine the resources they possess when choosing a tourism research idea. When considering whether the research topic of tourism will be achievable, you also have to check whether the resources you have will enable you to collect the right data. Review the many topics listed online to get more ideas and clues.

✔ You should consider the research assignment requirement when choosing a topic.  Every tourism homework or coursework assignment has specific instructions and to understand them you may have to consult your instructor. By that, you will be able to create a tourism research paper topic that will give you the results the tutors expect.

Four Major Types of Tourism Research to Identify Interesting Topics about Tourism

• Market Research: Market research, an integral component of tourism research, focuses on identifying potential markets, analyzing customer preferences, and understanding the competitive landscape. It provides valuable insights into trends, patterns, and demands of the consumer base. This type of research uses surveys, interviews, and observational studies, among others, to glean data. For instance, topics for research on market research might investigate tourists' accommodation preferences, their choice of destination, or their propensity to engage in certain activities.
• Motivational Research: This research area focuses on why people travel. A motivational research topic would seek to address this question by examining the factors that influence individuals to choose a particular destination or engage in specific activities. This type of research often involves psychological and sociological perspectives, studying the impact of elements like culture, lifestyle, personal interests, and emotional drivers. It also explores how factors like price, accessibility, and reputation can affect tourists' decisions, thus providing a holistic understanding of tourists' behavior.
• Economic Research: Students understand that tourism is a critical component of local, national, and global economies, necessitating an economic perspective to tourism research. Thus, a topic in this direction of research analyzes the economic impact of tourism on a region, including job creation, GDP growth, and infrastructural development. Furthermore, it examines the viability of tourism projects, evaluates fiscal policies affecting tourism, and forecasts future economic trends. With such research findings, stakeholders can make informed decisions that optimize the economic benefits of tourism.
• Environmental Research: In the age of sustainable and responsible travel, environmental research in tourism has gained immense importance. A research topic on environmental research assesses the environmental impact of tourism activities, explores the possibilities of sustainable tourism, and devises strategies to minimize the negative effects on natural resources. It involves studying local flora and fauna, monitoring pollution levels, and evaluating the management of tourist sites.

These are the four major types of tourism research and identifying a project topic on any of the areas would help contribute unique perspectives that help in the holistic development and growth of the tourism sector. As a student, choosing a research topic on any of the areas above should ensure that your final year project recommends and helps industry stakeholders to make strategic decisions, adapt to evolving trends, and ensure the sustainability of tourism activities. By fostering a culture of rigorous and comprehensive research, it is possible to ensure the continued prosperity of the tourism industry. Identifying comprehensive tourism topics for research is the first major step toward carrying out a successful project.

How to tell what or which topic is best for tourism research

Selecting the best topic for tourism research involves several key steps. Begin by exploring your personal interests within the broad spectrum of tourism, considering areas like sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, or destination marketing. Then, focus into existing literature to identify gaps and emerging trends. Assess the relevance and potential impact of the topic of interest, ensuring it aligns with your academic or professional goals. Then you can seek guidance from our experts and so that we can refine your ideas and brainstorm potential topics. In that case, we normally develop three sample topics, from which you choose the best by narrowing down based on feasibility, novelty, and significance. Finally, craft clear and focused research questions, a concept or idea paper to guide your investigation and then present it to your supervisor for their approval or guidance. By following these steps, you can identify a research topic that captivates your interest, addresses important issues, and contributes meaningfully to the field of tourism. This is especially significant because if you proceed and start your tourism research proposal or project and have the topic rejected or adjusted after; you may lose a lot of time and work. So identify the best topic for your tourism research and once the topic is approved, proceed with the research work.

Looking for a Suitable Research Title About Tourism? Free Samples

• Assessing the Impact of Destination Image on Tourist Satisfaction and Destination Loyalty:  This title seeks to discuss one of the most crucial factors that influence tourists’ decision to visit a particular tourist attraction site. In the paper, the destination image is shown to be an important factor in tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. Let us guide you on the best way to create a tourism research project topic because we have the most experienced research assistants.
• Analyzing the Significance of Peace and Security to the Growth and Development of the Tourism Industry in a Country:  This study evaluates and analyzes some of the reasons why peace and security are very important for countries that rely on international tourists for a considerable amount of government revenue. The study seeks to show that war and insecurity can destroy the tourism industry of a country.
• An Investigation into the Negative Impacts of Tourism on a Country: A Look at New Strains of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Introduced by Tourists:  The primary objective of the paper is to investigate and identify some of the dangers associated with international tourism. The study focuses on cases of strange sexually transmitted diseases introduced to other countries by visiting tourists. To consult with reliable hired research project topic writers , confer with our company.
• Evaluating the Factors that Promote Tourism in an Attraction Site: The Importance of Availability of Essential Services:  The dissertation evaluates the major factors other than the attraction site, those which influence the decision of tourists to visit the area. The paper aims to elaborate that the availability of essential services is an essential consideration. Through this study, the essential services that can promote tourism will be pointed out. This is a research title about tourism that can even  be   used to write a thesis project for a master's student . 
• A Comparative Analysis of Local and International Tourism: Why is International Tourism More Popular than Local Tourism?  The purpose of this paper is to analyze and identify the reasons why most people prefer to tour other countries other than their own even when their countries have great tourist destination sites. The paper proposes measures that governments can adopt to promote local tourism. We can offer you both expert and affordable tourism research project topic help.
• An Analysis of the Role of the Government in Promoting and Encouraging Tourism: A Case Study of the Brazilian Government:  This is a great title for a tourism case study that explains the pertinent role played by governments in promoting tourism in their respective countries. Specifically, the study discusses the approaches that the Brazilian government has adopted to promote tourism. It will also be pointed out whether the strategies applied by the Brazilian government can be extended to other countries. This research title helps identify gaps between governance & tourism in Brazil.

If you are a student or a scholar doing a research paper or  dissertation project on tourism , ensure to seek professional guidance to help you identify a research title that is unique, trendy, and one that will be fun to research and write about. Our experts generally provide tourism research title ideas that guide the available options one could explore. We may offer comprehensive research support where need be step by step depending on a student's specific needs.

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Research Topics for Tourism Students – Thesis Titles 2024

Free research titles for a bsc or masters thesis in tourism student.

• A Study on Legislative and Policy Measures for Sustainable Domestic Tourism.
• The Benefits of Utilizing Technology in Influencing the Growth of Tourism.
• An Investigation into the Implications of the Internet in the Development of Ecotourism.
• An Investigation into the Role of Human Resource Management in Developing a Competitive Advantage in Tourist Accommodations.
• Factors Influencing the Franchising Decisions among Tour Firms and Operators.
• A Study on the Effects of Globalization on the International Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
• An Investigation into the Impact of Strategic Development and Sustainability of the Airline Industry on Tourism.
• The Effects of the Growth of Electronic Commerce on the Development of the Tourism Industry.
• An Investigation into the Effects of Hotel Employees’ Job Satisfaction and Performance on the Growth of Tourism.
• A Study on the Role of Tourism in the Reduction of Poverty and Economic Growth
• The Impact of Educational Tourism and Its Development in European Countries
• An investigation into the Advantages of Ecotourism and its benefits for Local Businesses

These sample research titles can be used as a guide to developing more comprehensive topics for a tourism research paper or thesis. If any student needs step-by-step guidance to develop the topic into a thesis, we are more than willing to help. We support tourism students with topics & research guidance and you will never regret interacting with us. For instance, you could like one of the thesis titles for tourism students listed above so you can do further research on it and add more variables to it so that it matches your interests or even seek our support to expound more and even develop comprehensive research questions.

Formulating Tourism Topics for Students - College & Undergraduate

Identifying the most suitable research topic for your tourism research paper is a time-consuming task. Supervisors often reject the topics that college or undergraduate students have developed for many reasons among them uniqueness & relevance. The use of experts is the best solution for such a problem. Our research experts will offer you an exclusive guide on crafting a research topic on tourism that will ensure that you do not give your supervisor a hard time when selecting your topic. If you feel that you require a competent firm to help you create a topic idea on tourism, you should consider hiring our firm. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive outstanding help with creating topics for undergraduate scholars   at an affordable rate. Our help with tourism research topics ideas for college students students entail;

• Carrying out a comprehensive research background on any proposed topic on tourism
• Generating unique topics for college & undergraduate students and other scholars pursuing tourism
• Offering professional guidance on preparing for the entire tourism project writing.

Students may tell us that they need professional assistance in generating a research project on tourism; we will professionally assist them. We will ensure that you have identified a unique topic that is simple to understand. College students regard a tourism course to be easy. That might not be entirely true when the time comes for them to create a research topic. Instructors sometimes can assign a topic to a student but that is not very common nowadays. Like other scholars, college students are required to choose a topic on which they will carry out research and so they may look out for some of the latest tourism topics for students.

Ecotourism Thesis Topics for Students: Best Research Help

Moreover, our dedication to guiding students through their exploration of ecotourism thesis topics prepares them for meaningful careers in sectors such as sustainable tourism management, conservation policy, and environmental advocacy. We are committed to nurturing their growth into professionals who can tackle the complex challenges facing the tourism industry today. Through our support, students not only gain a deep understanding of the principles of ecotourism but also develop the skills to effect positive change, ensuring a lasting impact on both the environment and society. Our investment in ecotourism research underscores our broader mission to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism practices and to foster a new generation of leaders committed to making a difference in the world.

Sample Research Topics Related To Ecotourism: Good For Thesis Research

Ecotourism offers a pathway towards a more responsible and inclusive form of tourism. In the quest to explore this sustainable approach, the selection of ecotourism research topics & samples becomes crucial for students, researchers, and practitioners alike. These topics not only shed light on the multifaceted impacts and potentials of ecotourism but also pave the way for innovative solutions and strategies to enhance its benefits and mitigate its challenges. This exploration is not just about academic inquiry; it's about participating in a global conversation on how to balance the needs of the planet with the desires of the curious traveler, ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good in the world.

• Evaluating the Socioeconomic Impacts of Ecotourism on Indigenous Communities : This topic extends beyond the basic economic benefits to explore how ecotourism affects the social fabric, cultural preservation, and economic resilience of indigenous communities. An e cotourism thesis research project on it could examine variables such as changes in employment patterns, impacts on traditional practices, community participation in ecotourism planning, and the effects of income diversification through ecotourism.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Ecotourism Sites in Promoting Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity: This research topic idea on ecotourism could focus on specific variables like species population trends, habitat restoration efforts, and the role of tourist contributions in funding conservation projects. It might also compare conservation outcomes between areas with active ecotourism programs and those without, to identify key factors contributing to successful biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainable Management Practices in Ecotourism: A Comparative Analysis of Global Ecotourism Certifications: This among other ecotourism research topics would explore the effectiveness of different eco-certification standards in promoting sustainable management practices among ecotourism operators. Variables could include certification criteria, compliance rates, operational changes post-certification, and the impact of certifications on tourist perceptions and choices.
• The Influence of Ecotourism Experiences on Tourist Environmental Awareness and Behavior Change: This is a thesis topic that could look into how specific aspects of ecotourism experiences—such as guided tours, educational programs, and interaction with local communities—affect tourists' environmental awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Variables might include pre- and post-visit changes in environmental knowledge, commitment to sustainable practices, and advocacy for conservation issues.
• Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Enhance Sustainable Tourism Experiences in Ecotourism Destinations: This ecotourism thesis topic could investigate the role of specific technologies (e.g., augmented reality, geolocation services, and environmental monitoring sensors) in enhancing visitor engagement and sustainability at ecotourism sites. Variables of interest might include technology adoption rates, visitor satisfaction levels, impacts on environmental awareness, and reductions in ecological footprints due to technology use.
• Analyzing the Impact of Policy Frameworks on the Development and Sustainability of Ecotourism Initiatives: This research could focus on the comparative analysis of national and international ecotourism policies, examining variables such as policy effectiveness, barriers to implementation, stakeholder engagement in policy development, and the role of policy in mitigating ecotourism-related conflicts.
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Ecotourism Destinations: A Vulnerability Assessment: This thesis topic sample would explore the specific vulnerabilities of ecotourism sites to climate change and assess various adaptation strategies. Variables could include the frequency and severity of climate impacts, stakeholder perceptions of vulnerability, investment in adaptation measures, and the effectiveness of these measures in ensuring the sustainability of ecotourism operations.

By incorporating any of these ideas and topics into the research design, thesis projects can offer a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding ecotourism. This approach not only enriches the academic contribution of the research but also provides practical insights that can inform the development of more effective and sustainable ecotourism practices. If you need more sample thesis topics related to ecotourism, do not hesitate to reach out and we shall guide and support you with the entire research process.

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88 Tourism Management Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best tourism management topic ideas & essay examples, 🔎 good research topics about tourism management, 📝 most interesting tourism management topics to write about, ❓ tourism management research questions.

• Destination Marketing and Destination Management in Tourism The purpose of this task is to discuss reasons why misunderstanding of the concepts of destination marketing and destination management leads to poor sustainable tourism planning and management of tourism impacts.
• Human Resource Management in Tourism In his research, Nickson points out that the human resource management in the tourism incorporates the management principles to integrate with the specific needs in the tourism industry.
• “Coolness” of the City in Tourism Management The ‘coolness’ of the city and its culture is a powerful instrument in advancing the city’s attractive features, infrastructure, and business.
• Tourism Destination Management and Development Tourism destination development and management is a key factor to the success of the tourism industry in any given region. The regional bodies come in with professionalism that is key to the success of the […]
• Tourism Management of the National Parks and Heritage The National parks are credited for being major tourist attraction sites as compared to national heritage and promotion of the tourism industry as they have what the tourist wants to see, that is, the beauty […]
• Revenue Management in the Tourism Industry To predict the behavioural patterns of customers, the availability of the product in the market is optimised with a hope of maximising on revenues.
• Human Resource Management: Tourism and Hospitality Industry To recognise the variety both of the diversity of sub-industries and kinds of careers the tourism and hospitality sector in Australia is likely to create, this paper cannot take into account all of these elements […]
• Home Exchange and Implications for Tourism Management A listing refers to a list of people who are also interested in exchanging a home from a particular country and the quality of their homes is also given.
• Tourism Industry: Emergency and Crisis Management The technological and scientific breakthrough that has been witnessed over the past several decades has created the foil for the rapid development of the tourism industry. What are the primary causes of emergencies and crises […]
• Hospitality Management: Arabian Desert Resort In addition, it is the role of the sales manager to improve the facilities, maintain awareness of factors, which affect the hotel, and to gain a deeper perceptive of the needs and feelings of the […]
• Service Management of Innovation Tourism Industry Innovation taking place in tourism industry is resulting into new ideas, services, and products to the marketplace and as part of overall changes taking place in the industry, innovation in the industry is leading to […]
• VisitBritain’s Marketing Strategy for the 2012 Olympic Games and Diamond Jubilee The VisitBritain campaign is significant in helping Britain realize economic growth before, during, and after the 2012 Olympic Games as well as the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
• Contemporary Tourism and Hospitality Management I have always enjoyed visiting other countries, and Europe remains one of my favorite destinations since I see it as a small corner of the planet connecting a great variety of cultures.
• Yield Management and Tourism Industry in Saudi Arabia Thus, the hospitality industry of the country can rely on the support of the state, and this factor can contribute to the development of the hospitality industry.
• Tourism Management as an Ethnographic Theme Thus, as it is stated in some of the interview, tourists generally expect the attitude of obeisance towards them, and the workers of the tourism sphere feel themselves as the obedient servants.
• Sustainable Hospitality Management The paper will clear some concepts of Hospitality Management and Sustainable Hospitality Management, Assessment of Operational Efficiency of Hospitality Organizations, Critical analysis of Hospitality Parameters, Critical evaluation of Principles and Procedures Involved in Environmental Management […]
• Sustainable Tourism Development Management It includes the air, the climate of the place, the water bodies, the landscape, the animals, the birds and other life forms habiting the place, the plants and its overall beauty.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s Conflict Management The concept of Sulha, although not directly outlined in the organization’s code of conduct, is the main driving instrument of internal conflict resolution in the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
• Sun Peaks Resort: Tourism Management One is determined to examine the relevant aspects of the example of the Ski School in the Sun Peak Resort as the latter has the highest rating among all the Canadian resorts from the standpoint […]
• Sex Tourism Management Controversy As explained in the introductory section above, sex tourism refers to an aspect of tourism where the primary aim of the tourist is to have in sexual engagements with the people in their destination.
• Ethical Dimensions into Tourism Policy and Management Therefore, in analyzing the aspiration and practical application of ethics in tourism in regard to the policy and management of tourism endeavours, emphasis will be on the above aspects.
• Tourism Disaster Management In this phase, the main element of the management strategies for the disaster that is going on is assessment of the impacts and reconstruction.
• Forecasting the Tourism Activity as a Risk Management Instrument
• Casino and Gaming Management in Tourism: Monte Carlo, Baden Baden, and Las Vegas
• Business Continuity and Crisis Management in Tourism
• Traveling to India: The Problems Management of Tourism Business in One of the Most Conservative Countries
• The Importance of Total Quality Management in Tourism
• Management in Services as a Marketing Instrument for Increasing Customers’ Satisfaction With Tourism Products
• ICT Tools as Management Support in Croatian Tourism
• Strategic Management Within the Tourism and the World Globalization
• A Bass Model Application to Tourism Facility Management
• Strategic Management Problems for Romanian Tourism Companies
• Economic Possibilities and Management of Solar Energy Use in Tourism
• Sustainable Development and Tourism Destination Management of Hot Springs Hotels in Taiwan
• Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Management by Razaq Raj and Kevin Griffin
• Management Strategy and Policy of Etihad Airways Tourism
• Events Management in Tourism: Attracting More Tourists
• Creation and Management of Innovative Tourism Products in Italian Networks of Reserves in the Alps
• Rural Tourism: Development, Management, and Sustainability in Rural Establishments
• The Place and Role of Financing in the Management of Small Businesses in the Tourism
• Effective International Tourism Management
• The Use of Digital Technologies in the Tourism Management
• Online Tourism Information Management System
• Environmental Management and the Competitiveness of Nature-Based Tourism Destinations
• Yield Management Tourism: A Pricing Strategy to Generate Maximum Revenue
• Social Sustainability Tourism Management: Human Rights, Inclusion, Health and Safety
• Marketing and Management Implementation on Megatrends in Modern Tourism
• Destination Management Organizations and Health Tourism Visual Identification in Central and Eastern Europe
• Risk and Crisis Management in Tourism Industry: Linking Tourism Into Emergency Management
• Why the Development and Management of Tourism Can Not Be Left Entirely in the Hands of the Private Sector
• Tourism Development in Zambia: Planning and Natural Resource Management
• Management and Development Possibilities for Spa Tourism in Serbia
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Tourism
• Main Stages Involved With Capacity Management Tourism
• Information Systems Management for Travel and Tourism
• Stakeholders and Public-Private Partnerships Role in Tourism Management
• The Strategies for Management of the Tourism Sector During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Collaboration, Management Contract, and Franchising in the Tourism Industry
• Operation Management Practices and Tactics of Hotel Novotel Tourism
• China’s Tourism Resources and Management
• Strengthening the Employ Ability of Hotel Restaurant Tourism Management Through Work and Travel Program
• Enterprise Risk Management With Foreign Exchange Exposures: Evidence From Taiwan Tourism Industry
• What Is the Future of Tourism Management?
• What Skills Do You Need in Tourism Management?
• What Are the Features of the Management Decision Making Process in Tourism Management?
• What Are the Benefits of Being a Tourism Management?
• When Did Tourism Management Originate?
• What Is the Task of Tourism Management?
• Is Tourism Management a Part of Economics?
• What Are the Main Features of Tourism Management?
• How Has Tourism Management Evolved?
• What Are the Functions of Tourism Management?
• What Are the Principles of Tourism Management?
• What Are the Popular Methods of Tourism Management?
• What Are the Features of Tourism Management Organizational Structures in Tourism Management?
• What Are the Management Issues in Tourism Management?
• What Is the Biggest Problem in Tourism Management?
• What Is the Main Purpose of Tourism Management?
• What Is the Concept of Tourism Management?
• What Are the Features of Tourism Service Quality Management in Tourism Management?
• Which Type of Trade Is Tourism Management?
• Who Is the Father of Tourism Management?
• Is Tourism Management a Market or Industry?
• What Is the Value of Tourism Management?
• What Is the Most Important Impact of Tourism Management?
• What Will Happen if There Is No Tourism Management?
• How Does Tourism Management Affect Society?
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Top Tourism and Hospitality Management Research topics(2023)

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Tourism and Hospitality Management Project Topics with materials

The role of tourism in economic growth and poverty reduction

• The impact of Covid 19 on world Tourism
• The effects of quality services on customer satisfaction
• The role of limbe festac in cultural tourism development
• The role of Campo Ma’an National Park in the Development of Tourism in Kribi
• Assessment of tourist activities at debarcadere beach in kribi ocean division
• Role of Recreational sites in The Promotion of Tourism Development in Limbe, Fako Division, South west Region of Cameroon
• Assessing the Factors that Account for the Touristic Attractiveness of Kribi
• Factors affecting civil servants participation in domestic tourism. A case study of the civil servants living in Yaoundé V subdivision of Cameroon
• Examining the potentials of hospitality industry as an agent of tourist attractions in Kumba
• Food as a determinant of domestic tourist behavior in Kumba I Municipality
• Tourism as an Agent of Cultural Change in Bangem, Kupemuanenguba Division
• Potentials of Barombi Mbo Lake for the Development of Tourism in Kumba I
• Examining cultural potentials of the Bafaw people for the promotion of sustainable tourism development in Meme Division

Tourism and Hospitality Management Research topics

• The importance of product distribution policies to tourism enterprises and to tourists
• Westernization as a Threat to the Bali Nyonga Cultural Heritage
• The Assessment of Buffet Services of Hotels in the Limbe Resort Town
• Organizational Control and Customer Service Delivery at Mountain Hotel in Buea
• Challenges and Opportunities of Sustainable Tourism development in Cameroon; case study the Bakossi National Park in the South West Region
• Recreational Tourism Development in Limbe: Challenges and Prospects
• Perception and attitudes toward sustainable tourism in Cameroon amongst Cameroon tourists. case of Korup national park
• The role of royal marriages in the promotion of tourist destinations in tombel
• Design and implementation of a hotel management system
• The Impact Of Destination Image On Tourist Satisfaction, And Destination Loyalty: A Case Of Buea Municipality
• Problems Of Hotel Business In Fako Division A Case Study Of some selected five stars Hotels in Buea
• Impact Of Foreign Direct Investment On The Hospitality Sector in Cameroon.
• Assessing The Challenges Facing Small Scale Hotels In Cameroon (A case Study Of some selected hotels in Mamfe Town)
• Packaging And Service Delivery In The Hospitality Industry (A Case Study Of some selected hotels in Limbe Municipality)
• Prospects And Problems Of E-Marketing In Hospitality Industry in Cameroon
• Service Management In Hospitality Industry (A Case Study Of some selected hotels in Bamenda II municipality)
• Customer Perceived Value And Customers Satisfaction In Travel Agency In Cameroon (A Study Of hotels in Kumba II Municipality).
• The Impact Of Inadequate Food Supply On The Tourism And Hospitality Industry: The case study of hotels in Bafoussam, Cameroon
• An Assessment Of Tourist Attraction Development And Consumer Behaviour In Limbe Municipality
• Assessing Hotels Social Responsibilities To Its Host Communities, the case study of hotels in Limbe Municipality
• The Impact Of Quality Control Methods On Employee Performance Within The Hospitality Industry
• Consumer Experience And Destination Loyalty In Tourist Site in Cameroon: Case study Kribi
• Customer Perceived Value And Customers Satisfaction In Travel Agency In Cameroon (A Study Of Camiar-co)
• Human Resource Management In The Hotel And Catering Industry case study of Mountain Hotel Buea
• Impact Of Marketing Communication In Tourist Destination A Case Study Of Fako Division
• The Effect Of Government Policies On The Development Of Tourism In Cameroon
• The Impact Of Religion On The Development Of The Tourism And Hospitality Industry Of Cameroon
• Problems Encountered By Managers In Setting Up A Small Scale Hospitality Business in Mamfe Central
• An Assessment Of The Impact Of Motivation On Employee’s Productivity In Hospitality Industry Case study of Chariot Hotel Buea
• A Critical Examination Of Safety And Security Concerns In Hospitality Industry Case study Eta Palace Hotel Buea
• Prospects And Problems Of E-Marketing In The Hospitality Industry in Limbe Municipality
• The Relevance Of Human Capital Management To Profit Maximization In The Hospitality Industry (A Case Study Of Hotel Saint Claire).

Students also read:

Tourism and Hospitality Management Project Topics,

• Summary of Contents
• Describe hospitality.

Writing Hospitality Research Papers

Topics and Ideas for Hospitality Research

simple topics for hospitality research

Interesting Topics for Hospitality Research

Topics for Hotel Management Research

Topics for Research in Hospitality Law

Subjects for Hospitality Management Research Papers

Advanced Hospitality Management Research Topics

Topics for Hospitality and Tourism Research Papers

best topics for hospitality research

Excellent topics for hospitality dissertations

• Excellent topics for hospitality research

Final Analysis of the Hospitality Research Topic

If you’re a student pursuing a degree in hospitality courses, you’ll be required to accomplish a thesis on a hospitality-related subject in order to earn your degree. Finding a study topic might be challenging in general. Finding suitable subjects for a research paper will require a significant time and effort investment. Here, we have compiled a list of the finest hospitality research topics to aid you.

Find out more about a variety of research topics in hospitality by reading this blog post. Learn how to prepare hospitality research papers as well.

Describing hospitality.

Giving guests and visitors a kind or warm reception is the definition of hospitality. On this planet, one of the dynamic industries where technology and innovation are applied to enhance the guest experience is hospitality. The majority of the activities connected to travel and tourism are included in the hospitality and tourist sector. The hotel industry encompasses primarily

Lodges & Hotels

Clubs & Bars at Night

Food Services & Restaurants

Transportation & Travel

Bus trips and cruise liners

Events (Private, Business, Cultural & Sports)

Wellness & Spas

The management functions in the hospitality business are the subject of the broad topic of hospitality management, sometimes known as hotel management.

The greatest services are provided with the ultimate goal of ensuring client satisfaction in the hotel sector.

Therefore, the sector needs a lot of talents, creativity, and technological assistance to increase client pleasure.

The hospitality business also engages in a variety of research and analysis initiatives to develop distinctive customer-attraction strategies.

A research paper on hospitality focuses on any subjects that have to do with the industry. Finding a decent topic is the first step in creating a research paper.

Make careful to choose a topic that interests you when choosing one. The subject of the study shouldn’t be very broad or specific.

If the subject is too vast, concentrate just on one particular theme.

The topic or subtopic you choose for discussion should have a compelling thesis statement.

Keep in mind that each major point related to the research statement needs to be supported by relevant data.

Your research paper about hospitality should be informative and well-structured, just like other academic papers.

Include the following components in your research paper on hospitality.

It serves as the essay’s introductory passage. You should include some background information on the subject and your thesis statement in the first paragraph.

Review of the literature : In this area, you should go through the theoretical framework and the sources you consulted when conducting research for the article.

Research Methodology : In this section, you should list and describe every technique you utilised to gather and examine the data.

Data Analysis : You must analyse all of the research data you have obtained in this step.

Results : Here, you should concentrate on the significance and ramifications of the information you gathered.

Summary : In this area, you should enumerate all the key ideas. You should also explain how your analysis led to the solutions to your research topic.

References page: This is where you should list all of the references you utilised in your research paper.

There are several potential study subjects in the broad realm of hospitality.

You can choose any hospitality topic based on the history, culture, management, and current industry developments when writing a research paper on the subject.

Do you need to choose the greatest subjects for your hospitality research paper? Cool! The best hospitality research ideas and topics are presented below for your consideration.

Choose a topic from the list below, and then refer to it.

Discuss the meaning of the word “hospitality.”

Islamic hospitality is valued.

Greek hospitality in antiquity.

The best methods to welcome visitors to Rome.

Christianity’s tradition of hospitality.

worldwide trends’ impact on the hospitality sector.

Describe the interaction between the host and the visitor.

a thorough examination of ethics in hospitality.

The best methods to welcome visitors in Prague.

Examine the adverse effects of travel restrictions.

Contribution of tourism to the expansion of the world economy

Creating sustainable tourism

Describe the tourist hotspots in Europe.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on world tourism

Discuss proper behaviour in the hospitality sector.

casino smoking regulations’ impact.

Describe the idea of honoured guests in Christian doctrine.

freedom of movement in transportation.

Consider the idea of twisted hospitality in depth.

a thorough examination of equitable pay in the hospitality sector. Case Study: The Hotel Izmailovo.

The Abraj Al-Bait is a case study.

Analyze the Circus Circus in Las Vegas from a strategic standpoint.

Analyze the Hilton Hawaiian Village from a strategic standpoint.

Talk about the slogan “Atithi Devo Bhava”

The education of flight attendants in hospitality

The value of the hospitality sector to France’s economy

A comparison between Middle Eastern and European countries’ hospitality regulations

Current hospitality regulations in China and Japan

Discuss a hotel’s accounting and financial management.

administration of a sizable hotel’s revenue.

a review of French hotel administration.

Good hotel manager qualities.

The Ambassador City Jomtien is a case in point.

The Wynn Las Vegas is a case in point.

Pakistani hotel management.

The First World Hotel & Plaza is a case study.

Describe the 5-star hotel’s customer service.

Examine the distinctions between a limited-service hotel and a full-service hotel.

Hospitality, Society, and Space

Application of technology to hotel management procedures

current hotel management fad

Management of hotels is important.

Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort is a case study on employee performance in the hotel setting.

Best hotel management techniques

An examination of the Innkeepers’ Laws.

Talk about insurance exclusions.

Describe bailments with relation to the hospitality sector.

Look into the UK hotel industry’s theft risk.

South African laws on hospitality.

Indian laws on hospitality.

Look into Russian hospitality law.

South Korean laws on hospitality.

North Korean laws on hospitality.

Talk about hotel owners’ legal obligations in the US.

The role of hospitality law in promoting tourism

Critical evaluation of American hospitality legislation

European Union guest property losses

Talk about the virtue of hospitality.

working circumstances in a big hotel.

significant problems in the hospitality sector.

the numerous kinds of lodging used in hospitality.

Discuss the salaries that hotel managers should anticipate.

provide Nepal with food, shelter, and security.

the management of hotels during the COVID pandemic

a thorough examination of hotel marketing administration.

the function of a hotel’s general manager.

Put together a strategic analysis of the hotel of your choice.

the function of a director of events and groups.

food and drink in the tourism sector.

Giving protection in Judaism.

What facilities managers do.

Do some research on how the hotel sector will be affected by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Discuss restaurant staff training in hospitality.

the hospitality sector’s significance to the US economy.

Discuss flight attendants’ hospitality training.

Analyze the Caesars Palace hotel from a strategic perspective.

Find out what a resort’s off-season entails.

Discuss the diversification of hospitality businesses.

Case Study: The Signature and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Analyze the Excalibur Hotel and Casino from a strategic standpoint.

An example is The Londoner Macao.

The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas is a case study.

Talk about hospitality personalisation.

Examine the seven elements of tourism.

Describe the three key ideas in tourism.

best US tourism destinations.

Making contactless payments in the hospitality sector.

America’s domestic travel industry.

Best UK tourism destinations.

the trends in international travel for 2022.

What impact did the COVID 19 pandemic have on travel?

What is meant by inbound tourism?

TQM (Total Quality Management) and Sig Sigma are used in the hotel and tourism industries.

Remote communication’s importance in the hospitality and tourist industries

Discuss promoting your destination.

Analyze the Shinagawa Prince Hotel from a strategic standpoint.

how technology has changed the hotel sector.

Bring up seamless technologies in the hotel industry.

Analyze Resorts World Las Vegas from a strategic standpoint.

Talk about the most effective techniques to appeal to millennials.

The hospitality sector and augmented reality.

Sustainability in the hotel and restaurant business.

The hospitality industry’s most crucial service.

Describe the rising importance placed on wellbeing.

utilising technology to satisfy hotel guests’ requirements.

Analyze the hotel Atlantis Paradise Island from a strategic standpoint.

destroying the opposition in the hotel industry.

The primary duty of hospitality in a deluxe hotel.

Find out the value of a qualified tour guide.

Why do clients choose leisure hotels while booking international vacations?

The benefits of the royal wedding for the hotel sector.

deciding factors while choosing a restaurant for a Friday night out.

How can bars and restaurants inspire their staff?

What has the hospitality sector done to accommodate and draw additional tourists now that more people are travelling alone?

How do consumer choices impact leisure travel for British consumers?

assessing consumer perceptions and attitudes regarding internet travel agencies.

What are some effective ways for small catering businesses to use integrated marketing communication to grow their brand and boost sales?

Does brand extension in hotel chains have an impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions?

customers’ opinions and attitudes toward Thai food in Britain.

excellent topics for hospitality research

Examine a certain bar’s operations.

Discuss the system of tips.

Laws in the hotel industry are evolving.

the significance of appropriate behaviour.

Do some research on local hotel employees’ salaries.

how hospitality affects both the direct and indirect economies.

Going green in the hotel industry in the next years.

Compare three of the country’s largest hotel chains.

The Maldives’ hospitality laws and regulations.

during the Olympic Games, hospitality.

the most effective techniques to draw visitors to your hotel.

Ancient Egyptian hospitality

Describe the Eastern European custom of eating bread and salt.

Talk about the hospital’s friendliness.

An examination of sports tourism.

newest fashions in the hospitality sector.

A hotel crisis management team is what?

What are vacationers for leisure?

How crucial are offices in hotels?

What in the hospitality industry is essentialism?

Can you discuss the unique characteristics of visitors who travel alone?

Wholistic hospitality is what?

Talk about the abilities of a seasoned restaurant management.

Investigate a fresh area of hospitality.

How significant is a review for hospitality businesses?

Distinct geographical regions have different approaches to providing hospitality services.

The function of the management team in hospitality.

What strategies hotels are using to stay afloat in the competitive world of hospitality.

types of in-demand hospitality services.

innovative methods for meeting hotel visitors’ demands.

You can create a top-notch research paper utilising any subject from the list of suggested hospitality study topics above. Call us for online assignment writing assistance if choosing a solid research topic for your assignment presents a challenge. Along with topic selection, we can help you with research paper writing or assignments related to hotel management.

We are renowned for providing dependable, superior assignment writing services. We specifically have a staff of qualified academic writers on a variety of areas available to help.

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• ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS KNOWLEDGE ON THE PREVENTION OF HOME ACCIDENT IN CHILDREN 1-5 YEARS IN THE MUTENGENE HEALTH AREA
• MOTHERS KNOWLEDGE ON THE COMPLICATIONS OF POOR WEANING PROCESS OF CHILDREN AT THE MUEA COMMUNITY
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• How to make tourism work for locals and visitors alike

Holidays don’t have to be hell

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T he dollar is hovering near a two-decade high. That has unleashed a multitude of American tourists keen to exercise their newfound spending power , much to the dismay of snobbish Europeans and anyone who has a fondness for empty, unspoilt beaches. And it has done so at a time when tourism is back in fashion. Trips were up by 19% in the first quarter of this year, compared with a year ago. They are forecast to exceed pre-covid levels across the whole of the year.

But tourism’s revival is being met by a backlash. Popular destinations including Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Majorca and Santorini have either introduced or are considering limits on cruise ships. Japan is erecting barriers to prevent tourists gathering to gawp at Mount Fuji. Tens of thousands of protesters in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands have even called for an end to “ mass tourism ”.

The arguments underpinning the protests are misguided—as are many of the policies they inspire. Tourism is a useful source of revenue. Policymakers can find ways to make it more bearable and more lucrative at the same time. These do not involve bans on tourists or making destinations less attractive. Instead, countries should pursue a more capitalist solution, by exercising their pricing power.

Tourism is big business. On a broad estimate, the industry earned $3.3trn last year, equivalent to 3% of global GDP and 6% of cross-border financial flows. For host countries, it is a welcome source of jobs as well as revenue. The unemployment rates that spiked above 20% in much of southern Europe in the 2010s would have been higher still had it not been for the millions of visitors who came to soak up the sun.

The problem, though, is that individual visitors inevitably fail to take into account the effect they have on others. Congestion is a headache for residents and tourists alike. Having to compete with the crowds for flat rentals, seats on a bus and space on pavements spoils the quality of life for city residents as much as it does the holiday experience for tourists.

Taxes can help, by ensuring that tourists pay for the congestion costs they impose. In some places taxes may deter the crowds. Travellers seeking lovely beaches have lots of options, for instance. If Thailand were to make visiting more costly, tourists would go to Vietnam instead. Indeed, one study finds that every 10% increase in tourist taxes in the Maldives leads to a 5% reduction in visitor numbers.

In some places the crowds might still come. Evidence suggests that tourist taxes are mostly ineffective at dissuading people from visiting destinations with standout attractions that cannot be found elsewhere, such as Barcelona’s Sagrada Família. People respond by reallocating spending, for example by choosing a cheaper hotel, rather than cancelling trips.

However, that is not a reason for despair. For one thing, imposing much higher levies might have more of an effect on numbers. The taxes that already exist are set at paltry levels. In October Barcelona’s nightly hotel tax will increase, but only to €4 ($4.30); a day-pass to enter Venice sets you back a mere €5, which would barely cover a cup of coffee in St Mark’s Square. The market could bear much higher prices.

If visitors are willing to go elsewhere, underdeveloped tourist sites could then have a chance to attract their business. If people insist on visiting the hot spots, extra taxes levied via airlines or hotels could pay for infrastructure that makes life better for tourists and residents alike. In addition, other measures can encourage people to spend time in less congested places or neighbourhoods. As well as erecting barriers, Japanese authorities more sensibly sometimes impose a congestion charge on Mount Fuji. Copenhagen offers ice cream to tourists who do a bit of litter picking. Once the pricing is right, residents who are still grumpy or who hate crowds have the freedom to move somewhere else.

Some might object that tourist taxes are unfair, because they stop young or poor visitors from seeing the world. Yet tourism is always unequal. And passes or tax-free travel could be granted to students or unemployed people, as happens at many museums. Venetians may shake their fists when a fresh boatload of cruise passengers arrives; they should instead be rubbing their hands in glee. ■

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “All inclusive”

Leaders August 3rd 2024

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From the August 3rd 2024 edition

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