At the International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA), we are committed to publishing accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information that reflects the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical communication. As a platform that supports tourism scholars, practitioners, and students across the globe, we recognize the responsibility we hold in providing content that readers can depend on.
This Fact Check Policy outlines how we ensure the accuracy of the information shared on our website, in our publications, and through our events and communications.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
Accuracy is a core value of ITSA. Every piece of content we publish—whether it is a blog post, newsletter, research article, event summary, or conference proceeding—is reviewed with the aim of ensuring factual reliability and academic credibility.
We believe that well-informed tourism professionals, educators, and researchers are critical to shaping a more sustainable, ethical, and innovative global tourism landscape. Therefore, we apply fact-checking principles that are consistent with academic and professional standards.
Sources and Verification
To maintain a high level of accuracy, our contributors and editorial teams rely on verifiable sources. These include peer-reviewed academic journals, government reports, reputable news organizations, international institutions (such as UNWTO, OECD, and UNESCO), and recognized tourism data sources.
We encourage the use of primary sources whenever possible. When secondary sources are used, they must be cited appropriately and must come from credible, recognized publications. Contributors are asked to avoid the use of anonymous or unverifiable content, and must include citations or references where relevant.
When claims or statistics are presented—especially those related to tourism trends, traveler behavior, economic impact, or public health—they are double-checked for relevance and timeliness. Outdated or unsupported claims are either revised or removed entirely.
Editorial Oversight
All content that appears on the ITSA website, including articles, announcements, and blog posts, goes through a review process by our editorial team or designated content managers. In the case of research-based materials, such as those published in the International Journal of Tourism Cities (IJTC) or in our biennial conference proceedings, an academic peer-review process is followed.
Editors check for factual accuracy, consistency of citations, proper context, and alignment with ITSA’s mission and values. Where needed, authors are asked to clarify or verify statements before publication.
While some content may express the opinions of individual contributors, it is still held to standards of truthfulness and fairness. Opinion-based content must be clearly marked as such, and cannot misrepresent facts or manipulate data.
Corrections and Updates
Despite our best efforts, mistakes may occasionally appear in published content. When this happens, ITSA is committed to correcting errors transparently and promptly.
If an error is discovered, we take the following steps:
- The content is reviewed in full to assess the scope of the error.
- A correction is made directly on the page or article in question.
- Where applicable, an editor’s note is added to acknowledge the change and explain the correction.
- If the error involves a fundamental misstatement or factual inaccuracy, a formal correction notice may be included.
We encourage readers, contributors, and members of the public to notify us if they believe content on our website is inaccurate or misleading. Concerns can be sent to intltourismstudies@gmail.com, and our team will investigate the issue thoroughly.
Use of AI and Automated Tools
In select cases, ITSA may use AI-assisted tools for drafting or content generation (e.g., language editing or data visualization). However, all such content is reviewed by qualified human editors before publication. We do not rely solely on AI for fact-checking or decision-making.
AI-assisted content is never used in peer-reviewed academic articles or official policy statements. If AI-generated text is used in a public-facing post, it is clearly edited for factual consistency and relevance by a human expert.
Independence and Impartiality
ITSA operates as an independent academic association. Our content is not influenced by commercial, political, or ideological interests. We do not accept payment in exchange for favorable coverage or biased representation.
Any partnerships or sponsorships are disclosed transparently, and editorial independence is always maintained. Content submitted by external organizations or collaborators must adhere to the same standards of accuracy as content produced internally.
Our fact-checking process is not about censorship—it is about reinforcing the trustworthiness of our platform. We aim to represent diverse voices and perspectives, but we do not compromise on factual integrity.
Training and Contributor Expectations
Authors, editors, guest writers, and student contributors working with ITSA are provided with clear guidelines for sourcing, referencing, and fact verification. They are expected to:
- Verify all facts before submitting content
- Clearly cite all data, quotes, or figures
- Avoid overgeneralizations or misleading statements
- Distinguish between personal opinions and objective facts
Ongoing training and mentorship programs are also in place to support emerging scholars and contributors in developing responsible content practices.
Handling Disputes
If there is a dispute over a fact or interpretation, ITSA follows a process of fair resolution:
- The content in question is reviewed by a panel of editors or relevant subject matter experts
- Both sides of the argument are considered, especially when interpretations of research data vary
- A decision is made whether to correct, annotate, or remove the content
In cases where debates are unresolved, we may publish a balanced view that acknowledges multiple perspectives while clarifying the basis of each position.
Conclusion
Factual accuracy is at the heart of ITSA’s mission to support excellence in international tourism studies. Whether you’re reading a research paper, attending a conference, or browsing a blog post, we want you to feel confident that the information provided is grounded, balanced, and accurate.
As we continue to grow as a platform and organization, we remain committed to updating our fact-checking practices in line with new standards, technologies, and audience needs. We invite all members and readers to help us maintain this standard by contributing responsibly and holding us accountable.
If you have any questions or would like to report an issue, please contact us at intltourismstudies@gmail.com.
At the International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA), we are committed to publishing accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information that reflects the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical communication. As a platform that supports tourism scholars, practitioners, and students across the globe, we recognize the responsibility we hold in providing content that readers can depend on.
This Fact Check Policy outlines how we ensure the accuracy of the information shared on our website, in our publications, and through our events and communications.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
Accuracy is a core value of ITSA. Every piece of content we publish—whether it is a blog post, newsletter, research article, event summary, or conference proceeding—is reviewed with the aim of ensuring factual reliability and academic credibility.
We believe that well-informed tourism professionals, educators, and researchers are critical to shaping a more sustainable, ethical, and innovative global tourism landscape. Therefore, we apply fact-checking principles that are consistent with academic and professional standards.
Sources and Verification
To maintain a high level of accuracy, our contributors and editorial teams rely on verifiable sources. These include peer-reviewed academic journals, government reports, reputable news organizations, international institutions (such as UNWTO, OECD, and UNESCO), and recognized tourism data sources.
We encourage the use of primary sources whenever possible. When secondary sources are used, they must be cited appropriately and must come from credible, recognized publications. Contributors are asked to avoid the use of anonymous or unverifiable content, and must include citations or references where relevant.
When claims or statistics are presented—especially those related to tourism trends, traveler behavior, economic impact, or public health—they are double-checked for relevance and timeliness. Outdated or unsupported claims are either revised or removed entirely.
Editorial Oversight
All content that appears on the ITSA website, including articles, announcements, and blog posts, goes through a review process by our editorial team or designated content managers. In the case of research-based materials, such as those published in the International Journal of Tourism Cities (IJTC) or in our biennial conference proceedings, an academic peer-review process is followed.
Editors check for factual accuracy, consistency of citations, proper context, and alignment with ITSA’s mission and values. Where needed, authors are asked to clarify or verify statements before publication.
While some content may express the opinions of individual contributors, it is still held to standards of truthfulness and fairness. Opinion-based content must be clearly marked as such, and cannot misrepresent facts or manipulate data.
Corrections and Updates
Despite our best efforts, mistakes may occasionally appear in published content. When this happens, ITSA is committed to correcting errors transparently and promptly.
If an error is discovered, we take the following steps:
- The content is reviewed in full to assess the scope of the error.
- A correction is made directly on the page or article in question.
- Where applicable, an editor’s note is added to acknowledge the change and explain the correction.
- If the error involves a fundamental misstatement or factual inaccuracy, a formal correction notice may be included.
We encourage readers, contributors, and members of the public to notify us if they believe content on our website is inaccurate or misleading. Concerns can be sent to intltourismstudies@gmail.com, and our team will investigate the issue thoroughly.
Use of AI and Automated Tools
In select cases, ITSA may use AI-assisted tools for drafting or content generation (e.g., language editing or data visualization). However, all such content is reviewed by qualified human editors before publication. We do not rely solely on AI for fact-checking or decision-making.
AI-assisted content is never used in peer-reviewed academic articles or official policy statements. If AI-generated text is used in a public-facing post, it is clearly edited for factual consistency and relevance by a human expert.
Independence and Impartiality
ITSA operates as an independent academic association. Our content is not influenced by commercial, political, or ideological interests. We do not accept payment in exchange for favorable coverage or biased representation.
Any partnerships or sponsorships are disclosed transparently, and editorial independence is always maintained. Content submitted by external organizations or collaborators must adhere to the same standards of accuracy as content produced internally.
Our fact-checking process is not about censorship—it is about reinforcing the trustworthiness of our platform. We aim to represent diverse voices and perspectives, but we do not compromise on factual integrity.
Training and Contributor Expectations
Authors, editors, guest writers, and student contributors working with ITSA are provided with clear guidelines for sourcing, referencing, and fact verification. They are expected to:
- Verify all facts before submitting content
- Clearly cite all data, quotes, or figures
- Avoid overgeneralizations or misleading statements
- Distinguish between personal opinions and objective facts
Ongoing training and mentorship programs are also in place to support emerging scholars and contributors in developing responsible content practices.
Handling Disputes
If there is a dispute over a fact or interpretation, ITSA follows a process of fair resolution:
- The content in question is reviewed by a panel of editors or relevant subject matter experts
- Both sides of the argument are considered, especially when interpretations of research data vary
- A decision is made whether to correct, annotate, or remove the content
In cases where debates are unresolved, we may publish a balanced view that acknowledges multiple perspectives while clarifying the basis of each position.
Conclusion
Factual accuracy is at the heart of ITSA’s mission to support excellence in international tourism studies. Whether you’re reading a research paper, attending a conference, or browsing a blog post, we want you to feel confident that the information provided is grounded, balanced, and accurate.
As we continue to grow as a platform and organization, we remain committed to updating our fact-checking practices in line with new standards, technologies, and audience needs. We invite all members and readers to help us maintain this standard by contributing responsibly and holding us accountable.
If you have any questions or would like to report an issue, please contact us at intltourismstudies@gmail.com.