Approaches to Tourism Research and Higher Education in Slovakia after 2010

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyse the development and trends of tourism research and education in Slovakia. Its partial objective is (1) to present the development of tourism research before and after socio-political changes in Slovakia in 1990, and (2) to evaluate the trends in tourism research according to research projects and related dissertation and habilitation theses from 2010 to 2020. Methods. Based on a critical review of the research project, analysis of dissertation and habilitation theses, in the article, we examine trends in tourism research and education at academic institutions that have been focused on tourism between the years 2010 and 2020. Findings. In the article, a brief overview of tourism research and higher education in Slovakia is presented and based on the research projects and related dissertations and habilitation theses identifying trends in tourism research. Research and conclusions limitations. Research limitations concern data availability regarding trends in tourism research as well as the application of the literature review method, which solely relies on previously published research and the availability of these studies. Practical implications. In the article, possible further directions for tourism research in Slovakia are proposed. Originality. In the article, we present the approaches to tourism research and higher education in Slovakia after 2010. The development and history, as well as trends in tourism research, require more attention from tourism researchers. Without systematic tourism research in the past, there would be no present or future of tourism education. Type of paper. Empirical research.