Convergence of Boundaries in Tourism, Hospitality, Events, and Leisure: Defining the Core and Knowledge Structure

Abstract

This study aims to address the convergence of boundaries in Tourism, Hospitality, Events, and Leisure (THEL) fields. We offer a synthesized definition of THEL and discuss a set of meta-concepts that define the core and knowledge structure of THEL. We argue that hospitality, experience, and place are unifying constructs upon which all THEL scholarship activities and practice fields are established. The paper invites a system-wide conversation to stimulate thinking regarding academic discipline building at a time when technological and societal forces are transforming work, life, and education. This research contributes to modernization of THEL and engenders new perspectives to guide future scholarship. This paper invites a reassessment of curricular structures to stay relevant and adaptive to changing needs of contemporary societies.

Metaverse and Tourism: From a New Niche to a Transformation

“…There are practices of distinguishing between "usual" and tourist environment by the frequency or the length of stay [20] and by measuring physical distance [21]. Lehto et al [22] emphasise that being "outside of a usual environment" might mean being in a virtual place or a mental state of leisure. The concept of a tourist destination refers not only to a physical location but to any environment that is different from the everyday one.…”

“…The abovenamed integration of the Metaverse and tourism phenomena may ultimately lead to a dissolution of the traditional understanding of tourism. It has already been acknowledged that the concept of place in tourism may be understood both as a physical location, as a virtually created destination and even as a mentality or a state of mind [22]. New experiences in the Metaverse, which are free from physical space and time, might require expanding the borders of the tourism phenomenon, which is currently measured by time and distance.…”

Rethinking the role of hospitality in society: the HOST model

“…hotel chains) but by any service organization. Relatedly, Hemmington (2007) suggested a redefinition of hospitality as behavior and experience (see also Lehto et al, 2022), which results in a focus on the five key dimensions of hospitality that can be applied to any commercial context: IJCHM 36,7 the host-guest relationship, generosity, theater and performance, "lots of little surprises", and the security of strangersa focus that provides guests with experiences that are personal, memorable and add value to their lives (p. 754).…”

“…hotel chains) but by any service organization. Relatedly, Hemmington (2007) suggested a redefinition of hospitality as behavior and experience (see also Lehto et al , 2022), which results in a focus on the five key dimensions of hospitality that can be applied to any commercial context:…”

“…While such information is useful and important, there is a glaring gap in the literature pertaining to the ways in which the moral imperatives, fundamental principles and historical practices of hospitality can impact larger outcomes in society. If hospitality is to enhance its cognitive legitimacy as an academic discipline, future scholarship must redefine its knowledge structures by recognizing that hospitality is “relevant to realms of humanity such as quality of human life, community well-being, and environmental well-being” (Lehto et al , 2022, p. 7).…”