research about the tourism

No spam. We promise.

Login to download report

World Travel & Tourism Council Research Hub

Welcome to WTTC's global Research Hub. Here you will find all our reports which provide critical evidence to empower the public and private sectors, and help to shape policies and investments that bolster Travel & Tourism.  We analyse Travel & Tourism's economic and employment impact in 185 economies, 82 cities and 26 regions worldwide. We also produce reports on the environmental and social impacts of Travel & Tourism, as well as thought leadership reports on themes such as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and retail tourism. Explore full reports (free for WTTC members and purchasable for non-members) or discover valuable insights in our library of freely available economic factsheets.

Featured Reports

Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Latin America

Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action

Click on the below links to select a report or factsheet for a particular region

(By region or economy)

(By region, economy or city)

Economic Impact Research (EIR): Methodology

Economic Impact Research (EIR): Data Sources and Estimation Techniques

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations

Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) : Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance

Navigating the Sustainability Journey: The Impact of Mandatory Reporting on Travel & Tourism

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology: Guide for Travel & Tourism Leaders

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Action: Use Cases & Impacts of AI in Society, Business and Travel & Tourism

The Social Impact of Global Tourism

Sustainability Leadership Case Studies / Iberostar: Roadmap for Decarbonisation

Water Roadmap for Travel & Tourism

Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in Travel & Tourism

Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa

The Environmental Impact of Global Tourism Report

Travel & Tourism Environmental & Social Impact Factsheets

Sustainability in Numbers: Travel & Tourism in Puerto Rico

Global Retail Tourism Trends and Insights: Executive Summary

Global Retail Tourism Trends and Insights: Full Report

Economic Impact Report 2023 Global Trends

Cities Economic Impact 2022: Executive Summary

Cities Economic Impact Report 2022

Nature Positive Travel & Tourism: Travelling in Harmony with Nature

Toolbox of Nature Positive Tourism Resources

Enhancing Resilience: To drive sustainability in destinations

Travel & Tourism in the Caribbean: Prospects for growth

Destinations 2030: Global Cities’ Readiness For Sustainable Tourism Growth

A Net Zero Roadmap for Travel and Tourism: Proposing a New Target Framework for the Travel & Tourism Sector

Have a question, technical issue or can't find a report?

Travel & tourism global footprint interactive website.

100+ Tourism Research Topics: Trends and Future Directions

Tourism research stands at the crossroads of exploration and understanding, dissecting the intricacies of an industry that transcends geographical boundaries. In this blog, we delve into the realm of tourism research topics, examining their importance, trends, popular areas of study, challenges faced by researchers, and the future directions that the field is poised to take.

Key Trends in Tourism Research

Table of Contents

• Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism has become a cornerstone of research in recent years, reflecting the global shift towards eco-conscious travel. Researchers are delving into the intricate balance between satisfying the wanderlust of tourists and preserving the environment.

Initiatives such as wildlife conservation, eco-friendly accommodations, and community engagement are key focus areas.

Technology in Tourism

The pervasive influence of technology on tourism cannot be overstated. From online booking platforms to virtual reality experiences, researchers are exploring the impact of technology on travel behavior.

Emerging areas of study include the use of artificial intelligence in personalized travel recommendations and the implications of augmented reality for enhancing tourist attractions.

What is the Importance of Tourism Research for Students?

Tourism research holds significant importance for students pursuing studies in various disciplines, including tourism management, hospitality, business, sociology, and environmental studies. Here are some key reasons why tourism research is valuable for students:

Academic Enrichment

• Increases Understanding: By conducting study on the tourist business, students may increase their comprehension of the intricate relationships between the economic, social, cultural, and environmental facets of the sector.
• Application of Theoretical information: This increases the practical relevance of their education by giving them the chance to apply the theoretical information they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Skill Development

• Research Skills: Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data are just a few of the vital research skills that come from conducting tourist research. These abilities are adaptable and useful in a range of work environments.
• Communication abilities: Through research papers, presentations, and conversations, students learn how to effectively express their results, which improves both their writing and spoken communication abilities.

Industry Insights

• Current Trends and Issues: Research allows students to stay abreast of current trends, challenges, and emerging issues in the tourism industry. This awareness is crucial for adapting to the dynamic nature of the field.
• In-Depth Knowledge: By delving into specific tourism research topics, students gain in-depth knowledge of particular sectors within the industry, positioning themselves as experts in specialized areas.

Career Opportunities

• Competitive Advantage: Having experience in tourism research can provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market. Employers value candidates who can bring a research-driven perspective to decision-making.
• Diverse Career Paths: Whether in academia, policy-making, destination management, or market analysis, a background in tourism research opens doors to a variety of career paths within the broader field of tourism and hospitality.

Contributions to Sustainable Practices

• Environmental and Social Responsibility: Tourism research often focuses on sustainable practices. Students, through their research, can contribute ideas and solutions for promoting responsible tourism, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Global Perspective

• Cultural Awareness: Researching diverse tourism topics exposes students to various cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This global perspective is crucial in an industry where interactions with people from different backgrounds are common.

Problem-Solving Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Research involves analyzing complex issues and developing solutions. This cultivates students’ analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, valuable attributes in any professional setting.

Personal Growth

• Confidence Building: Successfully conducting research and presenting findings builds students’ confidence in their abilities. It empowers them to tackle challenges and approach tasks with a systematic mindset.

In summary, tourism research is a multifaceted learning experience that goes beyond textbooks, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed for a successful and impactful career in the tourism industry or related fields.

100+ Tourism Research Topics: Category Wise

• Impact of Technology on Travel
• Cultural Tourism and Heritage Preservation
• Dark Tourism: Ethics and Motivations
• Community-Based Tourism for Socioeconomic Development
• Wildlife Tourism and Conservation
• Gastronomic Tourism: Culinary Experiences
• Adventure Tourism: Risk and Reward
• Medical Tourism: Trends and Implications
• Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages
• LGBTQ+ Tourism: Diversity in Travel
• Film Tourism: Influence on Destination Choice
• Cruise Tourism: Environmental Impact
• Rural Tourism: Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path
• Urban Tourism and City Planning
• Educational Tourism: Learning Journeys
• Wellness Tourism: Mind and Body Retreats
• Space Tourism: Future Frontiers
• Luxury Tourism and Experiential Travel
• Sports Tourism: Events and Impact
• Volunteer Tourism: Traveling for a Cause
• Accessible Tourism: Inclusive Travel
• Niche Tourism: Unusual Destinations
• The Psychology of Tourist Behavior
• Destination Marketing and Branding
• Over-tourism: Challenges and Solutions
• Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism
• Cruise Tourism: Cultural Interactions
• Heritage Tourism Management
• Tourism and Globalization
• Impact of Political Instability on Tourism
• COVID-19 and Tourism: Recovery Strategies
• Solo Travel: Trends and Safety Concerns
• E-Tourism: Online Booking Trends
• Responsible Tourism Practices
• Agritourism: Farm and Rural Experiences
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Balancing Conservation and Tourism
• Backpacking Culture: Trends and Challenges
• Tourism Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Social Media Influencers in Tourism
• Geotourism: Exploring Geological Wonders
• Virtual Reality in Tourism Experiences
• Tourism Policy and Regulation
• Sustainable Transportation in Tourism
• Wellness Retreats: Trends and Impacts
• Coastal and Marine Tourism
• Historical Tourism and Interpretation
• Space-Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Tourism
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Tourism
• Slow Tourism: Embracing the Journey
• Geopolitics and Tourism
• Adventure Sports Tourism: Risk Management
• Wellness Tourism: The Spa Industry
• Religious Festivals and Tourism
• Volunteer Tourism: Cultural Exchange
• Impacts of Terrorism on Tourism
• Tourism and Gender Equality
• Dark Sky Tourism: Stargazing Adventures
• Social Justice in Tourism
• Music Tourism: Festivals and Events
• Cruise Tourism: Port Infrastructure
• Urban Regeneration through Tourism
• Wellness Tourism: Mindful Travel
• Cultural Appropriation in Tourism
• Sports Mega-Events and Tourism
• Virtual Tourism: Exploring from Home
• Tourism Education and Training
• Destination Resilience to Crises
• Adventure Tourism: Environmental Stewardship
• Slow Food Movement and Culinary Tourism
• Accessible Tourism: Technology Solutions
• Adventure Tourism: Cultural Immersion
• Experiential Learning in Tourism
• Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation
• Indigenous Tourism: Empowerment and Challenges
• Film-Induced Tourism: Pop Culture Impact
• Ephemeral Tourism Events
• Adventure Tourism: Cultural Sensitivity
• Slum Tourism: Ethical Considerations
• Tourism and Water Conservation
• Space Tourism: Ethical Considerations
• Rural Tourism: Community Engagement
• Wellness Tourism: Mind-Body Connection
• Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Adventure Tourism: Extreme Sports
• The Role of Festivals in Tourism
• Cultural Tourism and Social Inclusion
• Wellness Tourism: Alternative Therapies
• Tourism and Human Rights
• Heritage Conservation and Tourism
• Adventure Tourism: Risk Perception
• Virtual Reality Museums and Tourism
• Responsible Wildlife Tourism
• Tourism and Disaster Management
• Festivals as Cultural Tourism Attractions
• Adventure Tourism: Psychological Benefits
• Wellness Tourism: Eco-Friendly Retreats
• Tourism and Aging Population
• Culinary Tourism: Fusion Cuisine
• Adventure Tourism: Cross-Cultural Interactions

Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism Research

Data collection and analysis.

While technology has streamlined data collection, challenges persist in ensuring data accuracy and relevance. Researchers are exploring advanced methodologies, such as big data analytics and machine learning, to overcome these hurdles and derive meaningful insights.

Globalization and Tourism

The globalization of the tourism industry poses both challenges and opportunities. Researchers are scrutinizing the impact of global trends on local economies, cultural identities, and the environment. Striking a balance between global and local interests is a complex task that requires careful consideration.

Future Directions in Tourism Research

Emerging tourism destinations.

The landscape of tourist destinations is ever-evolving. Researchers are turning their attention to emerging destinations, investigating the factors that contribute to their rise and the implications for the broader tourism industry. 

This includes understanding the appeal of off-the-beaten-path locations and the potential challenges associated with their sudden popularity.

Post-Pandemic Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the tourism industry in unprecedented ways. Researchers are exploring the long-term effects of the pandemic on travel behavior, destination preferences, and the overall structure of the tourism sector. 

Strategies for recovery and resilience are also under the microscope as the industry adapts to the new normal.

Resources for Tourism Research Topics

• Academic Journals and Publications: Leading academic journals in tourism research, such as the “Journal of Sustainable Tourism” and the “Annals of Tourism Research,” provide a wealth of knowledge for researchers. These publications cover a wide array of topics, from sustainable practices to cultural tourism.
• Conferences and Events: Attending conferences and events, such as the “International Conference on Tourism Research” and the “World Tourism Forum,” offers researchers the opportunity to engage with peers, present their work, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
• Online Databases and Research Platforms: Online databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Tourism Management Database , provide access to a vast repository of research articles, theses, and reports. These platforms facilitate collaboration and information exchange among researchers.

In conclusion, the landscape of tourism research topics is vast and dynamic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the tourism industry. As researchers continue to explore sustainable practices, emerging trends, and the post-pandemic landscape, the importance of their work cannot be overstated. 

By navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented, tourism researchers contribute to a more informed and resilient industry, ensuring that the joy of travel remains accessible for generations to come.

Related Posts

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Search ITA Search

Travel and Tourism Research

National travel and tourism research.

The National Travel and Tourism’s (NTTO) research products provide critical market intelligence to a range of stakeholders, including agencies within the U.S. Department of Commerce, other federal departments and agencies, Congressional offices, local and state policymakers, domestic travel and tourism industry firms and organizations, foreign governments and companies, the media, and academia, and more.

Travel and Tourism Statistics, Research Programs, and Monitors

 Download the National Travel and Tourism Office’s collection of PDF fact sheets and reports. They reflect the latest trends and information on the international travel and tourism industry market. 

• U.S. Travel and Tourism Fast Facts
• International Visitation to the United States
• Balance of Trade
• Travel and Tourism Exports
• Travel Trade by Category
• Travel and Tourism Satellite Account

Discover Travel and Tourism Industry News “TI News”

Sign up to receive Travel and Tourism Industry News “TI News” e-mail updates. Receive updates from NTTO featuring the latest data and research releases, and other information related to international travel to and from the United States right to your inbox!

Discover the faces behind our amazing research team! 

Have a question or need assistance? Reach out to our team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

New Purdue Hospitality and Tourism Management research center analyzing Airbnb trends on a global scale

Soocheong (Shawn) Jang, Purdue University professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and left, and HTM PhD candidate Dohyung Bang pose with a “best paper” award at a conference in Seoul, South Korea.

Written by: Tim Brouk, [email protected]

Airbnb is now a global force in vacation lodging with about 5.6 million active listings in 220 countries. About 150 million people have the app on their phones.

That’s a lot of data points to dissect for the researchers in Purdue University’s Center for Hospitality and Retail Industries Business Analytics (CHRIBA), which is housed in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management  (HTM).

Since its activation in 2022, the center has featured work by HTM graduate students under the direction of HTM professor SooCheong (Shawn) Jang, publishing several analyses of Airbnb use in cities and regions around the world. From New York City to Seoul, South Korea, numerous trends in hospitality can be found when studying tourists’ use of the short-term rental app, especially when compared to hotel use, rates and availability.

“Providing various options for lodging is a good thing for visitors — at a certain level,” Jang said. “I think allowing (Airbnb operators) to do their business freely is one strategy, but if it becomes a share of 10% or higher, then it starts to take a substantial portion of the market share.”

Recent analytical reports show major growth of Airbnbs in some regions but a leveling off in major sites such as New York and London. A May 2023 report, “The Airbnb Landscape of New York City,” found 42,926 listings for 54,646 total rooms. This added up to a whopping 27.4% share of available lodging for tourists wanting to experience Broadway, Central Park or the Empire State Building.

The CHRIBA researchers concluded Airbnb poses stiff competition for “economy, midscale and upper midscale hotels” and is already making “a notable impact on the lodging industry.”

In 2024, CHRIBA’s work on Airbnb’s effects on real estate prices in Seoul was picked up by several South Korean newspapers. A 2024 study by CHRIBA researchers won “Best Paper” at the recent Asia-Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education conference in Seoul.

By the numbers

While even the newest Airbnb users know rental rates fluctuate depending on the day, CHRIBA crunched prices on the thousands of available listings in New York City to find a mean of $163.55 per stay. This included entire homes and apartments, private rooms within a house or condo, hotel rooms that are managed under Airbnb, and shared rooms like a hostel.

Broken down, the rates averaged to $210.18 per entire house or apartment, $100.20 per private room, $286.95 per hotel room and $92.16 to share with another Airbnb user.

CHRIBA also investigated who hosts all these Airbnbs. While the names were omitted, one rental agency ran 526 homes or apartments while one individual controlled 394 private rooms around New York. However, these were outliers because 82.1% were single listings from single hosts. Only 0.6% of the hosts have more than 10 listings.

Most of the New York City listings were in the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. A map shows both areas almost blanketed in listings. Jang said this is atypical for other cities because most listings appear around tourist attractions. Even London, with an astounding 40% of the market share and the only other city in the world with more Airbnb listings than New York, has clusters of heavy Airbnb listings around tourist destinations, such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Beyond the Big Apple

In late 2023 and early 2024, Jang and his graduate student Dohyung Bang, both natives of South Korea, put their lens on Seoul, a city of 9.8 million, as well as other major cities in the Asia-Pacific Region. Even large cities like Tokyo and Bangkok don’t come close to New York’s Airbnb market share. Still, Airbnb is on a rapid rise in these cities, according to CHRIBA’s findings.  

“The increasing rate in Seoul is faster than other cities like New York and London, even though the actual number of listings is smaller,” Jang explained. “But we are seeing this increasing trend still going on. In London and New York, it’s a little saturated, but other major, international cities are growing in Airbnb rentals.”

Jang said Airbnb has a role in some international cities’ recent concerns of “over-tourism,” which occurs when there are too many visitors to a particular destination, and therefore, they overcrowd certain tourist sites. Historic cities in Italy are prime examples of the over-tourism phenomenon. This also results in higher hotel rates, according to Jang.

“(The tourist destinations) can manage a certain number of visitors, but since visitors can find very cheap options (on Airbnb), there can be more people than they can hold in the city because of Airbnb,” Jang added.

Airbnb stigma

CHRIBA found significant negative qualitative data in some cities. One divisive issue is Airbnb’s knack for increasing real estate prices, which often shuts out first-time homebuyers. Airbnb is essentially insuring a seller’s market in some U.S. cities. However, that means more property tax, and if your neighbors are renting out their home as an Airbnb, that means strangers hanging out on your block several nights of the year.

West Lafayette has been vocal about limiting the amount of Airbnb listings due to housing shortage struggles, according to Based in Lafayette news Substack .

“The West Lafayette City Council was a unanimous vote behind asking for a proposed ban on new short-term rentals in single-family zones,” Dave Bangert wrote.

The story added that Lafayette is investigating putting a cap on Airbnb rentals as well.

One European trend found that some castles can be rented via Airbnb. Yes, Airbnb users could spend the night in a 500-year-old castle for less than $1,000 a night. However, Jang found most castles struggle with upkeep, and the rental fees help keep the old structures standing.

“From a municipal government point of view, it’s very difficult to maintain those facilities,” Jang said.  “You spend many dollars to maintain those but if you use them as Airbnb facilities, people enjoy the castles, and those dollars will go to the municipality’s pockets to maintain all of those facilities, so all those cities are proud of their heritage and those facilities as evidence of their history. It’s kind of win-win in that sense.” 

Whether it’s a castle in Spain or a shared room in Brooklyn with a German DJ on holiday, Airbnb is here to stay. CHRIBA will continue to monitor Airbnb’s global expansion and its effect on hotels and the hospitality and tourism fields through extensive research.

“We’re focusing on data-driven decision-making on hospitality and retail industries, and we also try to add more importance to data analytics to our school (HTM),” Jang said. “If I am a tourism market supporter, I am welcoming many visitors. We need to invite many people to our city, that way our residents and business operators can enjoy this benefit as well. If Airbnb cannot survive here, from the visitor’s perspective, you have a lot fewer options to stay in West Lafayette or any other city, which results in a loss overall.”

India’s Travel Sector Has Recovered, But International Is Still a Pain Point

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

July 4th, 2024 at 12:01 AM EDT

India is cementing its position as a significant source market for travel across the world. However, on its own turf, all is not well.

Bulbul Dhawan

India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly, according to a new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), but international travel spend in India continues to remain below pre-Covid levels. 

The WTTC report revealed:

• The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to Indian GDP stood at INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) in 2023, nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels. 
• Employment in the industry increased 8% to 43 million. 
• Domestic tourist spending was INR 14.64 trillion ($175 billion) last year, up 15% from pre-Covid levels. 
• International visitor spending was over 14% behind the 2019 levels. 

Key Role of Domestic Tourism

Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.

Online travel agency EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie agreed with the WTTC report. He said, “Domestic travel and the tourism sector, in recent times, has become the backbone of India’s economic growth, especially with the government’s focus on promoting India as an equivalent to a global destination.”

According to recent data from aviation analytics firm OAG, India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. India’s domestic air passenger traffic in 2023-24 also surpassed pre-Covid levels , 

Earlier this year, Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian also spoke about his company’s focus on India, specifically its domestic travelers. “The country’s leisure travel market is primarily driven by Indians traveling within India and discovering the country,” he said .

“The Indian market started seeing a rebound since the end of last year with the leisure hotel segment leading the way. Especially post Covid, India inbound became the buzzword. Indian travelers also started finding India more appealing due to the joint effect of increased marketing efforts and high international airfares,” said Arindam C Bahel, general manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie. 

2024 Outlook for Tourism in India

According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India is projected to be ahead of 2019 by the end of this year across four metrics: Contribution to Indian economy, employment, domestic visitor spending, and international visitor spending.

It estimates that:

• The sector will contribute almost INR 21.15 trillion ($253 billion) to India’s GDP in 2024. 
• Jobs in the industry will increase by 2.45 million this year, equaling one in 11 jobs in India. 
• International visitor spending will grow more than 17%. 
• Domestic visitor spending will increase by nearly 10%.

There are risks to these projections, however: During the peak domestic travel period in summer, a record number of travelers left due to the heatwave in North India . The extreme weather condition also led to a nearly 40% decline in sale of inbound flights in May from April 2024.

Pain Points

Despite these strong projections from WTTC, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts managing director Ajay Bakaya has shared a different perspective. 

“2023 was a phenomenal year. Our domestic tourists went up everywhere we were operating. We have seen changes in 2024. We had a really good first quarter from January to March, and April witnessed reasonable growth. But we have some places that have seen a decline in May and June. It could be the elections, but the results were far below expectations and budgets,” he said, adding that he hopes for it to be a short-term blip. 

Bakaya also shared that while the overall tourism sector in India has been performing well, the picture is not so favorable for hill stations. “All across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, tourism this year has been below 2022 and 2023 levels. The reason is that our outbound travel is now healthier and stronger due to more options, easier visas, and more economical flights.” 

He believes that in the long-term hill stations will go back to pre-Covid levels of reasonable business, but won’t witness a booming business. Goa, he explained, is also not seeing the growth that it should as probably the top tourism destination in India. “So, the picture is very good and very positive, but it is not all hunky dory. We’ll have some challenges before we scale the peak,” he said. 

Meanwhile, international inbound is lagging. And India has slashed its global tourism promotion budget by 97% .

Bakaya said, “We’re all pinning our hopes on what happens starting October 2024 (the inbound tourism season in India), but so far we have seen very little inbound travel. It has been disappointing.”

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: domestic tourism , easemytrip , Hyatt Hotels , india , india outbound , india travel , international tourism , international travel , mark hoplamazian , sarovar hotels , tourism , Travel industry , Travel Trends , wttc

Photo credit: According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India will be ahead of 2019 by the end of 2024. Godson Bright / Pexels

Report | Intelligent Investment

Asia Pacific Hotels & Hospitality Sector Trends 2024

June 25, 2024 3 Minute Read

Looking for a PDF of this content?

With the Asia Pacific hotel market continuing to undergo structural change, hotel owners and operators are fine-tuning operational and branding strategies. Increased labour and utilities costs, limited new supply, and the prolonged peak of the interest rate cycle are among the driving factors. 

Major global hotel operators are expanding rapidly across the region, with almost half of the new hotels in the development pipeline being developed in conjunction with five hotel groups: Marriott (60,566 rooms), Accor (47,052 rooms), IHG (34,227 rooms), Hilton (31,606 rooms) and Wyndham (21,455 rooms). These operators continue to invest in loyalty programmes and niche segments to capture market share while also significantly expanding their technological capabilities.

Despite prolonged high interest rates globally, hotel investment in Asia Pacific has been resilient, driven by continued interest in Japan and Australia, a record-breaking year for serviced residence sales in mainland China, and a steady flow of deals in a strongly performing Korea market. 

This report explores the key trends impacting the hotel sector in Asia Pacific, including an analysis of the current market landscape, the latest activities of the major operators, asset management and investment trends, and ESG considerations.

Operators keep daily rates elevated as a result of limited supply, elevated demand and rising labour costs: While hotels have successfully adapted to lower levels of applicants and staffing, new labour-related issues present a challenge to owners and operators. With this challenge expected to persist for the rest of 2024, operators will look to keep daily rates high to capture some of these losses on balance sheets.

Major global operators continue to expand aggressively, with increased emphasis on lifestyle brands:  With the ‘big 5’ operators expanding their global market share from 20% to 24% over the past six years, the trend is set to continue as the push for greater presence across all segments continues.

A large part of this strategy is the expansion into the lifestyle sector, with the brand loyalty programs, avant-garde design and wellness initiatives driving the demand.

Investment robust despite debt-related headwinds; investors maintain preference for upscale+ branded assets: Amid ongoing capital market dislocation, the upscale+ segment has emerged as the most appealing segment for hotel investors in Asia Pacific. This has been driven by growth in global wealth and travellers’ willingness to spend more on accommodation following the prolonged border closures witnessed during the pandemic.

Adoption of Sustainability / ESG initiatives continues; hotels with strong ESG initiatives set to outperform: The Asia Pacific hotels and hospitality industry’s commitment to ESG initiatives continues to gain momentum. Rising energy costs, which have increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, along with further commitment to ESG initiatives are set to accelerate the industry’s focus on sustainability. Other supportive factors include a shift in guests’ preferences toward more sustainable tourism, along with growing demand for disclosure around climate risk.

Related Insights

Global hotel investor intentions survey 2024.

May 1, 2024 15 Minute Read

Over half of the 300 hotel investors surveyed worldwide by CBRE Hotels Research intend to buy more in 2024 than in 2023, while only 14% expect to buy less.

APAC Hotels & Hospitality Market Update - Singapore

CBRE Asia Pacific Hotels & Hospitality’s Market Update series explores key trends in the region across indicators such as tourism arrivals, hotels performan...

APAC Hotels & Hospitality Market Update - Korea

May 16, 2024 3 Minute Read

CBRE Asia Pacific Hotels & Hospitality’s Market Update series explores key trends in the region across indicators such as tourism arrivals, hotels per...

APAC Hotels & Hospitality Market Update - Japan

April 16, 2024 3 Minute Read

APAC Hotels & Hospitality Market Update - Hong Kong SAR

March 26, 2024 3 Minute Read

Research Contacts

Henry chin, ph.d..

Global Head of Investor Thought Leadership & Head of Research, Asia Pacific

• Phone +852 2820 8160

Gus McConnell

Associate Director, Research, Asia Pacific

Hotels Contacts

Steve carroll.

Head of Hotels, Asia Pacific

• Phone +65 91791439

Ananth Ramchandran

Head of Advisory & Strategic Transactions, Hotels & Hospitality, Asia

Michael Simpson

Head of Hotels & Hospitality, Pacific

• Phone +61 2 9333 3240
• Mobile +61 431 649 724

Head of Global Hotel Asset Management, Asia

Stella Blythe

Director, Hotels & Hospitality, Asia

Related Service

Hotels & hospitality.

We provide creative, hands-on hospitality expertise in all major markets, supported by a sophisticated service platform.

To read this content please select one of the options below:

Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, mapping global research on space tourism (1993–2022): a three-decade bibliometric assessment using r and vosviewer.

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication

ISSN : 2514-9342

Article publication date: 3 July 2024

Space tourism is currently experiencing significant attention because of its rapid and burgeoning development in the present era. This surge has resulted in an unprecedented growth in publications dedicated to unravelling the intricacies of space tourism. However, there is a conspicuous absence of a large-scale bibliometric analysis focusing on space tourism research from 1993 to 2022. Therefore, the aim of this study is to fill this research gap by examining and mapping the scholarly output published across the world in the spectrum of space tourism over the past 30 years (1993–2022).

Design/methodology/approach

A corpus of 7,438 publications pertaining to space tourism published from 1993 to 2022 was gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection. Accordingly, bibliometrix package in R and VOSviewer software were used to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

The current study highlights a significant surge in publications related to space tourism, indicating a heightened scholarly interest and a significant paradigm shift in its exploration. Scott M. Smith, affiliated with National Aeronautics Space Administration Johnson Space Center, emerges as the most prolific author. Leading journals in disseminating space tourism research are Acta Astronautica and Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine . Keyword analysis revealed hotspots such as “space flight”, “simulated microgravity”, “weightlessness” and “stress”, while research gaps include “skylab”, “shuttle”, “cartilage”, “herpes virus” and “herniation”, offering potential avenues for exploration.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s implications empower stakeholders with actionable insights and deepen the understanding of the evolving landscape of space tourism research, fostering an environment conducive to continuous exploration and innovation in this burgeoning field.

Originality/value

This study enriches the understanding of global space tourism research and offers valuable insights applicable to a diverse audience, including researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders. The broad applicability of the study’s findings underscores its significance, serving as a guide for strategic decision-making and shaping research agendas in the dynamic realm of space tourism.

• Space tourism
• Bibliometrics
• Performance analysis
• Science mapping

Khasawneh, N. , Al Rousan, R. and , S. (2024), "Mapping global research on space tourism (1993–2022): a three-decade bibliometric assessment using R and VOSviewer", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication , Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-01-2024-0027

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles

All feedback is valuable.

Please share your general feedback

Report an issue or find answers to frequently asked questions

Contact Customer Support