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.