30 Years of contribution and future directions in tourism, hospitality, and events research: A Quo Vadis perspective from the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Abstract

The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management (JHTM) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone reflecting its enduring contribution to research in tourism, hospitality, and events. As part of the celebrations, the senior editorial board of JHTM has prepared this perspective paper, one of several initiatives marking this occasion. The paper critically examines research published in JHTM, focusing on seven key topics: Events & Festivals; Experience Design and Management; Destination Marketing & Management; Service Management; Information & Communication Technologies (ICT); Sociocultural Impacts of Tourism; and Climate Change & Environmental Concerns. Our reflections analyse the primary areas of focus in existing research, the knowledge established so far, the methodologies that have shaped this understanding, and the gaps that persist. We also identify priorities for future research to foster a more sustainable and innovative tourism future, proposing novel approaches to advance knowledge in these fields. Overall, the paper aims to provide valuable, actionable insights that ignite academic dialogue, inspire and guide future research directions, and drive meaningful innovation. By doing so, we aim to support both the evolution of the discipline and impactful contributions to the tourism, hospitality and events industry.