Being a sustainable tourist is not just something that is nice to do, if we want to continue to go on holidays and to travel around the world, then we need to stop destroying the things we are going to see- it’s as simple as that! But how can you be a more sustainable tourist? … Read more
Plog’s model of allocentricity and psychocentricity is one of the best-known theoretical models in the travel and tourism industry. Since Plog’s seminal work on the rise and fall of tourism destinations, back in 1974, a vast amount of subsequent research has been based on or derived from this concept, so it is an important model … Read more
There are many different types of tourists around the world, and understanding them is essential if the tourism industry is to meet their needs. It would make little sense to sell kids’ club passes to tourists who are mostly retired and travelling without children, just as it would make little sense to sell volunteer tourism … Read more
The environmental impacts of tourism have gained increasing attention in recent years. With the rise in sustainable tourism and an increased number of initiatives for being environmentally friendly, tourists and stakeholders alike are now recognising the importance of environmental management in the tourism industry. This article explains why the environmental impacts of tourism are an … Read more
Sustainable tourism- have you heard of this term? Probably. That’s because the term ‘sustainability’ has become one of the most commonly used ‘buzzwords’ in contemporary society. But in reality, sustainable tourism is much more than the latest trend… Sustainability is one of the most important issues facing the travel and tourism industry. While some companies … Read more
Sports tourism is big business. Sports tourism obviously involves sporting activity, but there is much more to this multi-billion-dollar global industry than simply watching or playing a game. In this article, I explain what sports tourism is, outline the different types of sports tourism with examples, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of sports tourism. … Read more
Are you an ethical tourist? Every traveller needs to think about the impact that their actions have on the world around them. It is extremely difficult (if possible at all) to be 100% ethical 100% of the time, but there are many things that tourists can do to help to protect and preserve the environment, … Read more
Responsible tourism is a term we hear thrown about a lot these days, but what does it actually mean to be a responsible tourist? Who needs to be ‘responsible’ and why does responsible tourism matter? Tourism industry stakeholders and tourists increasingly recognise the importance of social and corporate responsibility. However, while most people are familiar … Read more
Going on a workation has become a firmly established part of modern working life. Combining two concepts – work and vacation – a workation can seem contradictory at first glance. Surely if you are working, you are not on vacation? However, the growth of remote and hybrid working, and the freedoms that this allows, has … Read more
What is Airbnb? It is one of the best-known names in travel, but how does Airbnb work, why is it so popular, what are its impacts and what alternatives are there? This article covers all of these questions. What is Airbnb? Airbnb is an innovative business that has grown faster than almost anyone could have … Read more
Ethical tourism is on everyone’s mind these days. Over the past decade or two, people have become far more conscious of their actions. Whether it’s by turning off the lights when we leave the room, recycling our empty cereal box, not riding elephants in Thailand or eating at local restaurants in Costa Rica, there are … Read more
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a core component on many curriculums around the world. A psychological theory focussing on motivation, it helps us to understand concepts in many different disciplines- from international development to education to travel and tourism! Many students study Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as part of an educational course. This article provides … Read more
Doxey’s Irritation Index is one of the best-known theories used to explain how local residents feel about tourism. This article explains what Doxey’s Irritation Index is, how it works, the main criticisms of the model and why it remains relevant in an age of overtourism. Much of life – business, sociology and human behaviour in … Read more
Horizontal and vertical integration are important concepts in all businesses, including those operating in the tourism industry. An important management strategy, horizontal and vertical integration allows companies to be more competitive in the marketplace. But how does this actually work? This article explains what horizontal and vertical integration are, the advantages and disadvantages of both, … Read more
Professor Richard Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model is one of the most widely cited theories in tourism research. It is also a core component of many travel and tourism courses, from GCSE and BTEC to degree level. But what does it mean? In this article, I give a simple explanation of Butler’s Tourism … Read more
What is modernization theory? Theories exist in every part of life, but they can be complicated. This article simplifies modernization theory: where it came from, what it is, how it works, how it relates to tourism and why it has been criticised. What is modernization theory? Modernization theory is a societal theory linked to how … Read more
Halal tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel market. But what exactly is it, and what makes it so popular? This article explains what halal tourism is, why it is growing and which destinations cater for halal travellers. What is halal tourism? Halal tourism (also known as Muslim-friendly tourism) is a … Read more
What is shareholder theory? Business theories can often be difficult to wrap your head around, so this article breaks shareholder theory down into simple terms, explaining what it is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it applies to the tourism industry. What is shareholder theory? Shareholder theory is a business theory established … Read more
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with more than 3 billion monthly active users. But what is Insta tourism, and how is social media changing the way people travel? This article explains what is meant by the term Insta tourism, how Instagram and other social media platforms have … Read more
What is stakeholder theory and what is stakeholder analysis? There are theories applicable in all areas of life, and business is no different. This article explains stakeholder theory and stakeholder analysis, how they relate to one another and how they apply to the tourism industry. What is stakeholder theory? Stakeholder theory is an organisational management … Read more
Alderfer’s ERG theory is a theory of motivation. This article explains what Alderfer’s ERG theory is, how it compares with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and how it works in practice, with examples from the workplace and from tourism. What is Alderfer’s ERG theory? Alderfer’s ERG theory, fully titled the ERG Theory of Motivation, was proposed … Read more
Orphanage tourism is a controversial topic. But why? This article explains what orphanage tourism is, where it has been most common and why child protection experts and the travel industry are now urging tourists to avoid it. What is orphanage tourism? Orphanage tourism is another branch of tourism, one which refers to people visiting orphanages … Read more
The first commercial flight marked the beginning of the airline industry that we see today. Aviation is an important component of tourism and is an integral part of travelling for many people. This article tells the story of the first commercial flight, the pilot who flew it, and how commercial aviation developed in the decades … Read more
Which countries are using the Euro? This article introduces the Euro currency, its history, its advantages and disadvantages, some interesting facts about the Euro, and a full list of the countries and territories that use it – including Bulgaria, which became the newest member of the Eurozone on 1 January 2026. What is the Euro? … Read more
The chain of distribution is an important concept to understand when studying or working in travel and tourism. Whilst the term may sound complicated, it is actually very simple. This article explains what is meant by the chain of distribution, outlines the different levels of the chain, and gives examples of travel and tourism companies … Read more