A unique and devoted group of scholars, researchers, and practitioners, the International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) has been at the forefront of fostering scholarly exchange and development in the travel and tourism sector for over 17 years. With a distinct mission to encourage interaction and cooperation between members in developing and developed countries, ITSA serves as a vital nexus for the global tourism community, dedicated to understanding and propelling the growth of tourism worldwide.
ITSA provides a dynamic platform for its members, offering a wealth of opportunities for connection, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. Through its biennial international conferences, regional events, and insightful publications, the association creates a vibrant ecosystem where innovative ideas are born and nurtured. The welcoming and intimate nature of ITSA events makes it an ideal environment for networking with like-minded scholars from across the globe, fostering a sense of a “global village of friends” as noted by Professor Xinran Lehto.
Our Mission and Vision: Connecting the World of Tourism
At its core, ITSA is dedicated to bridging the gaps in tourism studies, research, education, and training between developed and developing nations.The association’s vision is to create a more interconnected and collaborative global tourism landscape. This is achieved by encouraging interdisciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of tourism and urban studies, and by generating practical knowledge that can inform industry best practices worldwide. By focusing on scholarly exchange, ITSA plays a crucial role in shaping a future for tourism that is not only economically prosperous but also sustainable, smart, and secure.
Experience Dynamic Events: A Legacy of Global Gatherings
For over sixteen years, ITSA has successfully orchestrated a series of impactful biennial conferences, held in even-numbered years from 2006 to 2022. These gatherings have become renowned for their intimate and collegial atmosphere, providing an unparalleled opportunity for in-depth discussion and networking.
The upcoming 10th International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) Biennial Conference will be held in the historic city of Riga, Latvia, from September 17th to 20th, 2024. Hosted by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, the conference theme is “Bridging the gaps in tourism knowledge and practice: The future of Sustainable, Smart and Secure tourism and hospitality (Future 3Ss for Tourism).” This timely theme will address critical issues such as safety and security, evolving traveler behavior, and the principles of a circular economy in tourism. The conference promises to be a pivotal event for academics, industry professionals, and researchers to collaboratively shape the future of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Looking back, ITSA’s recent conferences have consistently pushed the boundaries of tourism scholarship:
- Gran Canaria, Spain (2022): The 9th Biennial Conference, hosted by the Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TiDES) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, marked the first time the event was held in Spain. The proceedings, including short abstracts of all papers, are available for download, with some extended abstracts accessible online.
- Jakarta, Indonesia & Singapore (2020): The 8th Biennial Conference, “Culture, People, Technology, & City Tourism,” was a landmark event, being the first to be held in a hybrid format due to the global pandemic. Hosted by Universitas Pancasila and co-hosted by James Cook University Singapore, the conference brought together scholars from 16 countries across five continents, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the ITSA community.
The proceedings from all of ITSA’s biennial conferences, dating back to 2008, are available as open-access resources, ensuring the widespread dissemination of valuable research.
Collaborate in Research: The International Journal of Tourism Cities (IJTC)
ITSA’s commitment to scholarly excellence is further exemplified by its peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal of Tourism Cities (IJTC). As the official journal of the association, IJTC provides an international forum for the critical study of urban tourism and tourism cities. Published by Emerald Group Publishing Ltd., the journal aims to be inter-disciplinary in its approach, welcoming original and theoretically-informed articles from researchers and practitioners involved in the planning, management, or marketing of tourism in urban destinations.
The IJTC has four primary objectives:
- To foster greater research and scholarship on tourism in urban environments.
- To encourage interdisciplinary research that integrates tourism and urban studies theories.
- To generate more studies on tourism at the urban-rural fringe.
- To create a comprehensive body of literature on best practices in city tourism globally through in-depth case studies.
The journal publishes a range of content, including primary research articles, expert discussions on contemporary urban tourism issues, and detailed case studies It particularly encourages submissions on pressing topics such as smart cities and tourism, the environmental impact of urban tourism, sustainable development, citizen and stakeholder engagement, and destination governance. With a 2025 impact factor of 2.3 and a 5-year impact factor of 3.0, the IJTC is a leading voice in its field.
Honoring a Legacy: The Philip Pearce Trinergy Program
ITSA proudly honors the monumental contributions of the late Professor Philip Pearce, a foundational figure in tourism scholarship, through the Philip Pearce Trinergy Program. Professor Pearce was a pioneering academic who was appointed as the first-ever Professor of Tourism in Australia. His work at James Cook University established a globally significant hub for tourism studies.
Professor Pearce’s influence on the field was profound. His research delved into the core of tourist behavior, exploring what tourists think, do, and feel. He developed influential models of tourist motivation and experience and was a prolific author with 15 books and approximately 275 publications to his name. His work on the psychology of tourism and his development of the Travel Career Ladder (TCL) model are among his most cited contributions.Professor Pearce was not only a brilliant researcher but also a dedicated mentor, having supervised over 40 doctoral graduates. His immense contributions to the foundation of ITSA are a cornerstone of the association’s history.
A Network of Global Scholars: Leadership and Community
ITSA’s strength lies in its vibrant and diverse community of scholars and practitioners. The association is guided by a dedicated team of leaders who are themselves prominent figures in the field of tourism studies.
Key Figures in the ITSA Community:
- Professor Alastair Morrison: A past president of ITSA, Professor Morrison is a distinguished and prolific scholar in tourism marketing and development. He has authored numerous books and academic articles and has served as a consultant for organizations like the UNWTO and the World Bank. He was also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Tourism Cities. His unexpected passing in March 2025 was a significant loss to the tourism academic community.
- Professor Xinran Lehto: A Professor at Purdue University, Dr. Lehto’s research focuses on understanding how tourists engage with destinations. She is a leading scholar with a high citation record and emphasizes the practical applications of her research for the tourism industry.
- Professor Bihu (Tiger) Wu: A prominent scholar in tourism development and planning in China, Professor Wu is a professor at Peking University. He has authored several books and numerous articles and has served as a consultant to the World Tourism Organization.
- Professor Philip Pearce (1951-2020): As the first Professor of Tourism in Australia, his foundational work on tourist behavior and the psychology of tourism has had a lasting impact. He was instrumental in the establishment of ITSA.
The association’s Regional Vice Presidents play a crucial role in fostering regional networks around the world. These networks bring together tourism scholars through a variety of events, webinars, and social activities, further strengthening the global ITSA community.
Join the ITSA Community: Advancing Your Career in Tourism
Membership in the International Tourism Studies Association offers a multitude of benefits for tourism scholars at all stages of their careers. As Professor Bihu (Tiger) Wu recommends, joining ITSA is an excellent way to develop a global dimension to one’s career. The association provides a supportive and collaborative environment for professional growth.
Benefits of ITSA Membership:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse and international community of academics and practitioners at intimate conferences and regional events.
- Publication Avenues: Gain insights into publishing in the prestigious International Journal of Tourism Cities and other academic outlets.
- Knowledge Exchange: Participate in cutting-edge discussions and share your research with a global audience.
- Career Development: Enhance your professional profile through active participation in a leading international tourism organization.