A review of aesthetics research in tourism: Launching the Annals of Tourism Research Curated Collection on beauty and aesthetics in tourism

Abstract

This systematic literature review identifies major trends that guided tourism research on beauty and aesthetics, critiques its current state, and proposes directions to advance tourism theory and practice. The review categorizes 39 studies into five themes corralled into two meta-themes: Consuming aesthetic value (Aesthetic Judgement & Experiences, Effects of Tourism Aesthetics, Tourism Aesthetics & Sustainability) and Producing aesthetic value (Foundational Issues in Aesthetics Management, Management of Destination Aesthetics). Proposed future research directions include challenging West European aesthetic ideas, considering the perspectives of destination residents, and expanding research to aesthetic categories beyond the beautiful. The article also launches the Annals of Tourism Research Curated Collection on Beauty & Aesthetics in Tourism. The Collection contains all past articles published in Annals of Tourism Research on the topic, and continues to grow as new articles are added.