As scholars committed to advancing tourism knowledge, we hold a crucial responsibility in promoting the global exchange and dissemination of ideas that drive the evolution of our field. Our role extends beyond research, teaching, and advising; it includes upholding the highest standards of research ethics, promoting inclusive and rigorous inquiry, and ensuring that our work contributes meaningfully to the sustainability of tourism and the well-being of global communities.
There is no question that the rise of artificial intelligence and the growing use of synthetic data present both opportunities and ethical challenges. Educators, researchers, and students engage with these tools and will continue to do so. We need to encourage their responsible use in tourism research and their alignment with our shared values of integrity, transparency, and sustainability. I am hoping the Academy can initiate a dialogue on this at the next Academy meeting in Hong Kong.
As we reflect on our collective responsibilities and the future of tourism scholarship, it is also important to honor those who have laid the foundations upon which we build. Their contributions continue to guide our work and inspire new generations of scholars. It is with great sorrow that I share the recent passing of two highly respected academics and mentors, Prof. Boris Vukonić and Prof. Chris Cooper, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on our field.
Prof. Vukonić was a leading Croatian tourism scholar and educator. His scientific focus included tourism marketing and tourism development policy. Internationally recognized, Prof. Vukonić advised governments through the UN and WTO and held key roles in organizations like the Academy and the International Management Development Association (IMDA). He was the editor-in-chief of Acta Turistica and contributed to major tourism journals and books. His Croatian and English-language publications shaped tourism studies. Honored for his lifetime achievements, he was a strong advocate for Croatia’s sovereignty and cultural identity in tourism, remembered also for his warm personality and leadership. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Fellow, Prof. Anton Gosr, who provided a tribute in the In Memoriam section of our Academy website.
For over 30 years, Prof Chris Cooper played a transformative role in the lives of many students and colleagues, offering guidance with grace, humility, and unwavering dedication. His legacy of thoughtful leadership, intellectual generosity, and commitment to academic excellence will continue to inspire us. Prof Dimitrios Buhalis will write a tribute to him in the In Memoriam section of our Academy website. Prof. Buhalis, with a group of former students, is currently preparing a commemorative publication to honor his memory and contributions.
While we mourn the loss of a remarkable scholar and colleague, we also take this moment to celebrate the achievements of two other Fellows whose contributions continue to shape the field of tourism. We proudly extend our warmest congratulations to two esteemed Fellows, Professor Larry Dwyer and Professor Jigang Bao, for their exceptional achievements.
Professor Bao was the recipient of the 2023 UNWTO Ulysses Prize for his pioneering contributions to tourism education and knowledge in China. As Director at Sun Yat-sen University, he has significantly shaped domestic tourism development and sustainable tourism planning (https://www.unwto.org/search?keys=Jigang+Bao).
As we honor the legacy of those who have shaped our field, it is equally important to look ahead and ensure the continued vitality of our Academy by welcoming new voices and perspectives. As we begin the process of vetting and nominating the next group of scholars for Academy membership, the revised Bylaws offer clear guidance on how nominations should be made. Our Second Vice President, Professor Alan Fyall, has already circulated an email through the Academy Secretariat outlining the nomination process and encouraging us to consider potential candidates.At this stage, nominations require only a two-page summary submitted by a single Fellow to the Academy Secretariat (Fung, Leslie, leslie.fung@polyu.edu.hk) by July 11, 2025. This summary should highlight the nominee’s contributions to science, education, industry/government, and society. Please note that supporting letters are not necessary, and each nomination needs only one Fellow to initiate the recommendation. This process is inclusive of both Invited Guest Scholars and Emerging Scholars.
Just a quick reminder that our next Academy meeting will take place from June 1–4, 2026, in Hong Kong. Our host institution is School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Our 1st Vice President, Maria Gravari-Barbas, will keep us updated on the planning and developments. If you have any suggestions, please reach out to Maria.
As we turn our attention to identifying and welcoming new members into the Academy, we must also remain mindful of the broader context in which our field operates, a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty and conflict.
Recent global challenges, including wars and geopolitical tensions, have disrupted peace and undermined the stability of international tourism in various parts of the world. These realities highlight the pressing need for a tourism model that is more resilient, responsible, and centered on human values. By prioritizing sustainability, environmental stewardship, social justice, and community well-being, we can foster tourism that contributes to peace and stability. As we prepare for our next Academy meeting in June 2026 in Hong Kong, let us reaffirm our commitment to these shared ideals and to advancing tourism as a force for good.
Hoping for greater peace in the world and sending you my best wishes!
Dear
Fellows,
