The International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) is dedicated to publishing high-quality, insightful, and relevant content that contributes to the advancement of global tourism scholarship and practice. Our editorial policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, and processes that guide all content creation and curation across our platforms — including our website, newsletters, publications, and official conference materials.
We are committed to ensuring editorial independence, academic integrity, inclusivity, and transparency in everything we produce and share.
Editorial Philosophy
Our editorial philosophy is rooted in the belief that thoughtful, well-researched content can shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven tourism industry. Whether it’s peer-reviewed journal articles or news from ITSA members, we aim to uphold a consistent standard of quality, clarity, and accuracy.
Our editorial mission is to:
- Promote global tourism scholarship that is evidence-based and inclusive
- Bridge academic theory with industry practice
- Support emerging voices in tourism research
- Foster ethical dialogue across disciplines and geographies
We recognize the evolving nature of tourism as both an academic field and a global industry, and our editorial approach reflects this balance of innovation and tradition.
Types of Content We Publish
ITSA produces and curates a wide range of content, each with its own editorial process. These include:
- Academic articles and papers (through the International Journal of Tourism Cities)
- Conference proceedings from our biennial events
- Newsletters highlighting member achievements, association updates, and opportunities
- Blog posts and commentary on current trends, innovations, and case studies in tourism
- Special features and announcements, such as interviews, memorials, awards, and calls for papers
Each content type follows an editorial process tailored to its format and intended audience.
Editorial Independence
All editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, and partner institutions. While ITSA collaborates with universities, tourism boards, and other organizations, we do not allow external parties to influence content decisions.
Contributors and editors are free to express ideas, findings, and interpretations based on their research and experience. While we encourage respectful debate and diversity of thought, we do not publish content that is promotional, misleading, discriminatory, or unsupported by credible evidence.
Editorial independence is a non-negotiable value, and it ensures that ITSA remains a trusted and unbiased platform for the global tourism community.
Submission and Review Process
Content published by ITSA is reviewed by a qualified editorial team, which may include academic editors, subject matter experts, regional representatives, or advisory board members depending on the content type.
Academic content submitted to our journal or conference is subject to peer review, in accordance with international academic publishing standards. Other content, such as blog posts and newsletters, undergoes an internal editorial review for clarity, relevance, tone, and factual accuracy.
Contributors are expected to:
- Submit original content that has not been published elsewhere (unless clearly stated)
- Avoid plagiarism in all forms
- Use inclusive and respectful language
- Provide citations for any data, quotes, or external references
All content is reviewed not only for quality and accuracy but also for alignment with ITSA’s mission and values.
Editorial Criteria
When evaluating submissions or planning content, we apply the following core criteria:
- Relevance: Does the content address a topic important to tourism studies, education, or industry?
- Clarity: Is the writing accessible to a broad, international audience?
- Originality: Does the content offer new insights, research, or perspectives?
- Credibility: Are the claims supported by data, references, or valid argumentation?
- Diversity: Does the content reflect or respect diverse regions, disciplines, and identities?
We strive to maintain a balance of academic rigor and reader accessibility, and we encourage content that is timely, thought-provoking, and globally inclusive.
Inclusion and Representation
ITSA values diversity in every form — geographic, academic, cultural, linguistic, and experiential. We seek to represent the full range of voices within the global tourism community, especially those from underrepresented or developing regions.
We encourage submissions from scholars of all career stages, including postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and non-English-speaking academics (with editorial support when needed). Gender equity, cultural sensitivity, and social inclusion are guiding principles in all editorial decision-making.
We also support content in translation or bilingual formats where appropriate, to improve access and engagement.
Corrections and Retractions
If errors are found in any published content, we follow a clear and transparent correction process. Corrections are made promptly, and an editor’s note may be added to explain the changes. In cases where content is found to violate our editorial standards (e.g., plagiarism or serious factual inaccuracies), a full retraction may be issued.
We take complaints seriously and encourage readers to reach out with concerns about content integrity. Any reported issues will be reviewed by the editorial team and addressed in line with this policy.
Sponsored and Guest Content
ITSA occasionally features sponsored or guest content that aligns with our mission. However, this content:
- Must meet the same editorial and factual standards as regular content
- Will always be clearly labeled as sponsored or contributed
- Cannot be promotional or sales-oriented in tone
Editorial integrity is maintained regardless of funding or partnership arrangements. We never publish paid content without disclosure, and our editorial decisions remain fully independent.
Feedback and Community Participation
We believe that good editorial policy is built on open dialogue. Readers and members are invited to submit feedback, suggest topics, or contribute content ideas. We especially welcome suggestions from underrepresented regions or communities.
If you have an idea, proposal, or concern related to editorial content, please email us at intltourismstudies@gmail.com. Our editorial team will be happy to respond, collaborate, or offer guidance on submissions.
Final Thoughts
At the International Tourism Studies Association, our editorial policy is more than a set of rules — it’s a reflection of our commitment to academic excellence, ethical publishing, and global inclusivity. We take pride in creating a space where tourism knowledge can be shared, debated, and advanced with integrity and respect.
Thank you for supporting our mission and being part of the global ITSA community.