The Missing Links and Future Research Directions

Abstract

This chapter discusses the missing links between tourism and quality-of-life research. The chapter posits that the link between the two should be made from a fully functioning tourism systems point of view with two nested models of tourism, one model examining the effect of tourism on the Quality-of-Life (QOL) of individual tourists and the second model examining the effect of tourism on the QOL of residents. Using these perspectives, the chapter integrates the preceding 36 chapters into the two integrated models reflective of current and future research on the effects of tourism both on the QOL of individual tourists and residents. Further, it identifies research gaps, challenges our current practice of impact studies, and encourages us to examine and understand how impact studies may change the QOL for tourists, residents, and different stakeholders. The chapter ends with further research issues related to the measurement of QOL indicators, overlapping life cycle stages, and involvement of various stakeholders groups and their various goals and agendas. In doing so, we may be in a better position to contribute more significantly to the QOL of destination residents and its stakeholders.