Global trends challenging tourism organisations and destinations today

Abstract

Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to critically review the contributions made by this theme issue to the literature by examining key trends in worldwide tourism and approaches for scanning its business environment. Design/methodology/approach A critical content analysis of the articles selected for the theme issue was undertaken. Findings From the various contributions made to the theme issue, it is possible to identify some major challenges that the tourism industry will face, these resulting from new tourist profiles, a growing middle-class, political tensions and terrorism, technological evolution and the decline in customers’ loyalty. Research limitations/implications Collectively, the articles in this theme issue provide rich insights on key trends impacting the worldwide tourism industry, as well as suggestions on how to explore the opportunities arising from the highly competitive tourism markets. The complexity of the information generated today call for innovative approaches on scanning the tourism business environment, to overcome the financial and operational constraints that those processes normally imply. Originality/value The articles selected for this theme issue present state-of-the-art research and experts’ viewpoints on tourism trends. These allow a deeper understanding of the challenges tourism organisations and destinations face today and the best-suited answers to explore the opportunities they provide.

Where is tourism going and how will it impact people and planet?

“…An analysis of how the tourism industry was evolving at the end of 2019 and the major impacts brought by the pandemic, made it clear that there is a need to rethink tourism in the aftermath of COVID-19, to identify where it is going and how it will impact people and the planet (Costa et al ., 2023).…”

The tourist experience in Portugal – how to maintain authenticity?

“…From a qualitative point of view, the profile of current tourists is changing, with travel consumers now wanting and expecting an array of accurate information to guide their choices, and these are increasingly based on quality, experimentation, willingness to undertake active holidays and to travel to sites with diverse and unique tourism products (Costa et al, 2016).…”

“…In 2009 and 2010, as result of the severe economic and financial crisis, there was a significant decrease in foreign tourists to the country. This context of crisis sparked major changes in Portugal, culminating in the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Troikathe European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank (Costa et al, 2016).…”

“…In an effort to balance the Portuguese budget, Portugal was forced to impose austerity and restructuring programmes. However, and despite this scenario of public debt, unemployment and tough taxation, the tourism industry displayed unexpected resilience and performance (Costa et al, 2016).…”

What challenges and opportunities will lead to success?

“…From a qualitative point of view, the profile of current tourists is changing, with travel consumers now wanting and expecting an array of accurate information to guide their choices, and these are increasingly based on quality, experimentation and willingness to undertake active holidays and to travel to sites with diverse and unique tourism products (Costa et al, 2016).…”