Call for Papers:
Special Issue of Tourism Review
Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing
for the 2025 Global Marketing Conference at Hong Kong
Guest Editors: Dimitrios Buhalis (Bournemouth University), Yong-Ki Lee (Sejong University) and Michael S. Lin (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
Extended Conference Submissions Due: Jan. 31, 2025
- Extended Abstract or Full Paper Submission
Tourism Review (TR) Special Issue Submissions Window: March 1 - August 15, 2025
- Full Paper Submission
Tourism Review (SSCI, Q1) invites submissions for a special issue on the “Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing” in connection with the 2025 Global Marketing Conference (GMC) held in Hong Kong July 24-27, 2025. This special issue aims to gather cutting-edge research examining the opportunities and challenges related to marketing and management practices in the digital age within the tourism industry.
The tourism industry is experiencing a profound transformation driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, social media, and mobile applications are fundamentally altering how tourism businesses operate and engage with customers (e.g., Buhalis, 2019; Buhalis et al., 2023; Ivanov et al., 2024). These technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and creating new business models. However, they also present significant challenges that require tourism marketers and managers to adapt strategically (Sigala, 2018) and sustainably (Lee et al., 2021).
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, compelling the tourism sector to rethink its strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world (Gretzel et al., 2020). As travel restrictions and health concerns disrupted traditional tourism activities, digital platforms became essential for maintaining customer relationships, managing bookings, and providing virtual experiences. This shift has underscored the importance of digital resilience and innovation in the tourism industry (Sigala, 2020).
Digital marketing has become a cornerstone of tourism promotion, enabling destinations and businesses to reach global audiences with targeted and personalized messages (Mariani et al., 2018). Social media platforms, in particular, have emerged as powerful tools for influencing tourist behavior and preferences through user-generated content and influencer partnerships (Gretzel et al., 2020). Additionally, big data analytics allows tourism managers to gain deeper insights into customer preferences and trends, facilitating more informed decision-making and strategic planning (Li et al., 2018).
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also playing a crucial role in personalizing tourism services, from chatbots providing real-time customer support to recommendation engines suggesting tailored travel itineraries (Tussyadiah, 2020). Mobile technology, with its ubiquitous presence, has transformed how tourists plan, book, and experience their travels, making it imperative for tourism businesses to optimize their mobile presence (Koo et al., 2021).
Despite these advancements, the digital transformation of tourism is not without challenges. Issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the digital divide pose significant hurdles that need to be addressed (Gretzel et al., 2020), where leadership could be one of the key factors (Lee et al., 2023). Moreover, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) often struggle with the resources and expertise required to adopt innovation effectively (Lin et al., 2023).
This call for papers aims to explore the multifaceted impact of digital challenges on tourism marketing and management. We invite researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to contribute their insights and findings on how the tourism industry can navigate and thrive in the age of digital transformation.
The topics suggested below cover a wide range of emerging trends, technologies, and strategic approaches in solving digital challenges in tourism marketing and management. We also welcome additional topics that are relevant to tourism marketing and management and align with the theme of this special issue.
Tourism and Destination Marketing
- Tourism marketing strategies
- Destination and place marketing
- Promotion and advertising for destinations and services.
- Branding and storytelling
- Destination banding
- Market segmentation and targeting specific segments
- Behavioral targeting
- Segmentation and target markets
- Customer relationships Marketing
- Customer reviews and testimonials
- Loyalty programs
- Personalized customer service and marketing automation.
- Experiential marketing and memorable experiences
- Public relations and strategic communication
- Location-based service
Experiential Tourism and Marketing Strategy
- Tourist and guest experiences
- Ageing and silver market
- Family holidays marketing
- Cruise marketing
- Digital nomads
- Event and MICE Marketing
- Crisis management and marketing strategies
- Cross-cultural marketing
- Omni-channel marketing
- Video marketing
- Airline marketing and passenger services
- Marketing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Distribution strategies in tourism
- Service quality
- Personalized marketing
- Context marketing
- Travel influencers
Smart Tourism and Digital Innovation Marketing
- Smart tourism, hospitality, and transportation
- Digital transformation in tourism and hospitality
- Online travel agencies
- Digital platforms for booking and reviews
- Social media platforms and Influence
- Leveraging big data for personalized marketing
- Gamification in tourism marketing
- Digital leadership in tourism and transportation
- Artificial intelligence and digital apps
- Instagram influencers in tourism and hospitality
- Email marketing
- Mobile marketing
- Data analytics and customer feedback.
- Blockchain technology and tourist
- AI and Chatbots
- Metaverse/Virtual reality (VR)/ Augmented reality (AR)
- Streaming marketing
- User-Generated content
- Robots and service marketing in tourism and hospitality
- Geographic information for tourism and hospitality marketing
- Engaging tourists through interactive experiences
- Search engine optimization
- Cybersecurity issues and challenges in tourism and hospitality
Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Marketing
- Sustainable tourism and hospitality marketing
- Eco-friendly and environmentally conscious travellers marketing
- Diversity and inclusion marketing
- Ethical marketing and ESG
- Alternative tourism marketing
- Engaging customers with destinations and communities
- Greenwashing in tourism and hospitality
- Ethical justice in tourism and hospitality
- Cybersecurity and privacy and sustainability
GMC Conference Submission and Review Process:
Extended abstract or full paper should be submitted to ‘Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing’ track. All submissions, reviews, and notifications of editorial decisions related to conference submissions will be conducted electronically through the 2025 Global Marketing Conference (GMC) at the Hong Kong submission page. Full paper or extended abstract submissions to the 2025 GMC at Hong Kong should follow the 2025 GMC submission guidelines.
The manuscript’s title page should include the corresponding author’s name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Names and contact information for other authors should be included as well. All manuscripts submitted must not have been published, accepted for publication, or be currently under consideration elsewhere. Accepted papers will be presented at the 2025 GMC at Hong Kong.
2025 GMC Submission Guidelines:
https://2025gmc.imweb.me/35/?bmode=view&idx=19638135&back_url=&t=board&page=
2025 GMC Submission Link: https://2025gmc.imweb.me/22
Tourism Review Special Issue Submission and Review Process:
Authors are highly encouraged to present their research at the 2025 GMC in Hong Kong. This allows them to benefit from feedback provided by conference reviewers, attendees, and the Guest Editors. However, submission to the special issue is open to all.
The review process for all submissions will be managed by the Guest Editors, who will make recommendations on the outcome of each paper. Papers should be submitted via the TR’s Editorial Manager online platform.
Submissions to TR should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words in length. This includes all text, for example, the structured abstract, references, all text in tables, and figures and appendices. Please allow 350 words for each figure or table.
Detailed submission guidelines for TR can be found here.
Tourism Review Submission Guidelines: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/tr
Tourism Review Submission Link:
https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tr?_gl=1*1gi3gka*_ga*Njk3MzYwMjY5LjE3MjI1NjA3MDk.
Guest Editor Contact Information:
Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis (Bournemouth University), dbuhalis@bournemouth.ac.uk
Prof. Yong-Ki Lee (Sejong University), yongki2@sejong.edu
Dr. Michael S. Lin (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), michael.lin@polyu.edu.hk
2025 Global Marketing Conference at Hong Kong: https://2025gmc.imweb.me/
Tourism Review (TR): https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/tr
References:
Andersen, C, Engeset, MG, & Nyhus, EK (2024). Tourist involvement in vacation planning and booking: impact on word of mouth and loyalty. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-08-2022-0398
Buhalis, D. (2019). Technology in tourism-from information communication technologies to eTourism and smart tourism towards ambient intelligence tourism: a perspective article. Tourism Review, 75(1), 267-272.
Buhalis, D., Leung, D., & Lin, M. (2023). Metaverse as a disruptive technology revolutionising tourism management and marketing. Tourism Management, 97, 104724.
Ghesh, N, Alexander, M, & Davis, A (2024). The artificial intelligence-enabled customer experience in tourism: a systematic literature review. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-04-2023-0255
Gretzel, U., Fesenmaier, D. R., Formica, S., & O'Leary, J. T. (2020). Searching for the future: Challenges faced by destination marketing organizations. Journal of Travel Research, 59(6), 998-1010.
Ivanov, S., Seyitoğlu, F., & Webster, C. (2024). Tourism, automation and responsible consumption and production: a horizon 2050 paper. Tourism Review.
Koo, C., Gretzel, U., Hunter, W. C., & Chung, N. (2021). The role of IT in tourism. Tourism Management Perspectives, 37, 100789.
Lee, Y. K., Lee, C. K., Lee, W., & Ahmad, M. S. (2021). Do hedonic and utilitarian values increase pro-environmental behavior and support for festivals?. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 26(8), 921-934.
Lee, Y. K., Sinha, P. N., Kim, S. H., Swanson, E. M., Yang, J. J., & Kim, E. J. (2023). The expatriate and local hotel general managers: Differing approaches to employees’ loyalty. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 18(10), 3394-3413.
Li, Y., Hu, C., Huang, C., & Duan, L. (2018). The concept of smart tourism in the context of tourism information services. Tourism Management, 58, 293-300.
Li, Z, Huo, M, Huo, T, & Luo, H (2024). Digital tourism research: a bibliometric visualisation review (2002–2023) and research agenda. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2023-0176
Lin, M. S., Sharma, A., Pan, B., & Quadri-Felitti, D. (2023). Information asymmetry in the innovation adoption decision of tourism and hospitality SMEs in emerging markets: A mixed-method analysis. Tourism Management, 99, 104793.
Liu, C, Zhao, Q, Gursoy, D, & Zheng, H (2024). Livestreamed tourism shopping: consumers' attitudes and behaviors. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-01-2024-0040
Liu, J, Mai, H, Zhao, X, & Zhou, Z (2024). Business tourism: a bibliometric visualization review (1994–2023). Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-11-2023-0813
Lyu, J, Li, Y, Mao, Z, & Huang, H (2023). The effect of innovation on tourists' revisit intention toward tourism destinations. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-05-2022-0258
Mariani, M. M., Di Felice, M., & Mura, M. (2018). Facebook as a destination marketing tool: Evidence from Italian regional destination management organizations. Tourism Management, 68, 321-343.
Rafi, KN, Gani, MO, Hashim, NMHN, Rahman, MS, & ... (2024). The influence of 360-degree VR videos on tourism web usage behaviour: the role of web navigability and visual interface design quality. Tourism …, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-06-2023-0383
Sigala, M. (2018). New technologies in tourism: From multi-disciplinary to anti-disciplinary advances and trajectories. Tourism Management Perspectives, 25, 151-155.
Sutomo, YAW, Sianipar, CPM, Basu, M, Onitsuka, K, & ... (2023). Tourism value chain: synthesizing value webs to support tourism development and planning. Tourism …, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-12-2021-0566
Tussyadiah, I. P. (2020). A review of research into automation in tourism: Launching the Annals of Tourism Research Curated Collection on artificial intelligence and robotics in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 81, 102883.
Wu, P, Zou, Y, Jin, D, Li, Y, & Zhang, J (2024). Daily vlog-induced tourism: impact of enduring involvement on travel intention. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-04-2023-0223
Xu, J, Shi, PH, & Chen, X (2024). Exploring digital innovation in smart tourism destinations: insights from 31 premier tourist cities in digital China. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-07-2023-0468
Call for Papers:
Special Issue of Tourism Review
Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing
for the 2025 Global Marketing Conference at Hong Kong
Guest Editors: Dimitrios Buhalis (Bournemouth University), Yong-Ki Lee (Sejong University) and Michael S. Lin (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
Extended Conference Submissions Due: Jan. 31, 2025
- Extended Abstract or Full Paper Submission
Tourism Review (TR) Special Issue Submissions Window: March 1 - August 15, 2025
- Full Paper Submission
Tourism Review (SSCI, Q1) invites submissions for a special issue on the “Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing” in connection with the 2025 Global Marketing Conference (GMC) held in Hong Kong July 24-27, 2025. This special issue aims to gather cutting-edge research examining the opportunities and challenges related to marketing and management practices in the digital age within the tourism industry.
The tourism industry is experiencing a profound transformation driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, social media, and mobile applications are fundamentally altering how tourism businesses operate and engage with customers (e.g., Buhalis, 2019; Buhalis et al., 2023; Ivanov et al., 2024). These technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and creating new business models. However, they also present significant challenges that require tourism marketers and managers to adapt strategically (Sigala, 2018) and sustainably (Lee et al., 2021).
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, compelling the tourism sector to rethink its strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world (Gretzel et al., 2020). As travel restrictions and health concerns disrupted traditional tourism activities, digital platforms became essential for maintaining customer relationships, managing bookings, and providing virtual experiences. This shift has underscored the importance of digital resilience and innovation in the tourism industry (Sigala, 2020).
Digital marketing has become a cornerstone of tourism promotion, enabling destinations and businesses to reach global audiences with targeted and personalized messages (Mariani et al., 2018). Social media platforms, in particular, have emerged as powerful tools for influencing tourist behavior and preferences through user-generated content and influencer partnerships (Gretzel et al., 2020). Additionally, big data analytics allows tourism managers to gain deeper insights into customer preferences and trends, facilitating more informed decision-making and strategic planning (Li et al., 2018).
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also playing a crucial role in personalizing tourism services, from chatbots providing real-time customer support to recommendation engines suggesting tailored travel itineraries (Tussyadiah, 2020). Mobile technology, with its ubiquitous presence, has transformed how tourists plan, book, and experience their travels, making it imperative for tourism businesses to optimize their mobile presence (Koo et al., 2021).
Despite these advancements, the digital transformation of tourism is not without challenges. Issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the digital divide pose significant hurdles that need to be addressed (Gretzel et al., 2020), where leadership could be one of the key factors (Lee et al., 2023). Moreover, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) often struggle with the resources and expertise required to adopt innovation effectively (Lin et al., 2023).
This call for papers aims to explore the multifaceted impact of digital challenges on tourism marketing and management. We invite researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to contribute their insights and findings on how the tourism industry can navigate and thrive in the age of digital transformation.
The topics suggested below cover a wide range of emerging trends, technologies, and strategic approaches in solving digital challenges in tourism marketing and management. We also welcome additional topics that are relevant to tourism marketing and management and align with the theme of this special issue.
Tourism and Destination Marketing
Experiential Tourism and Marketing Strategy
Smart Tourism and Digital Innovation Marketing
Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Marketing
GMC Conference Submission and Review Process:
Extended abstract or full paper should be submitted to ‘Transformational Digital Tourism Marketing’ track. All submissions, reviews, and notifications of editorial decisions related to conference submissions will be conducted electronically through the 2025 Global Marketing Conference (GMC) at the Hong Kong submission page. Full paper or extended abstract submissions to the 2025 GMC at Hong Kong should follow the 2025 GMC submission guidelines.
The manuscript’s title page should include the corresponding author’s name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Names and contact information for other authors should be included as well. All manuscripts submitted must not have been published, accepted for publication, or be currently under consideration elsewhere. Accepted papers will be presented at the 2025 GMC at Hong Kong.
2025 GMC Submission Guidelines:
https://2025gmc.imweb.me/35/?bmode=view&idx=19638135&back_url=&t=board&page=
2025 GMC Submission Link: https://2025gmc.imweb.me/22
Tourism Review Special Issue Submission and Review Process:
Authors are highly encouraged to present their research at the 2025 GMC in Hong Kong. This allows them to benefit from feedback provided by conference reviewers, attendees, and the Guest Editors. However, submission to the special issue is open to all.
The review process for all submissions will be managed by the Guest Editors, who will make recommendations on the outcome of each paper. Papers should be submitted via the TR’s Editorial Manager online platform.
Submissions to TR should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words in length. This includes all text, for example, the structured abstract, references, all text in tables, and figures and appendices. Please allow 350 words for each figure or table.
Detailed submission guidelines for TR can be found here.
Tourism Review Submission Guidelines: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/tr
Tourism Review Submission Link:
https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tr?_gl=1*1gi3gka*_ga*Njk3MzYwMjY5LjE3MjI1NjA3MDk.
Guest Editor Contact Information:
Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis (Bournemouth University), dbuhalis@bournemouth.ac.uk
Prof. Yong-Ki Lee (Sejong University), yongki2@sejong.edu
Dr. Michael S. Lin (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), michael.lin@polyu.edu.hk
2025 Global Marketing Conference at Hong Kong: https://2025gmc.imweb.me/
Tourism Review (TR): https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/tr
References:
Andersen, C, Engeset, MG, & Nyhus, EK (2024). Tourist involvement in vacation planning and booking: impact on word of mouth and loyalty. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-08-2022-0398
Buhalis, D. (2019). Technology in tourism-from information communication technologies to eTourism and smart tourism towards ambient intelligence tourism: a perspective article. Tourism Review, 75(1), 267-272.
Buhalis, D., Leung, D., & Lin, M. (2023). Metaverse as a disruptive technology revolutionising tourism management and marketing. Tourism Management, 97, 104724.
Ghesh, N, Alexander, M, & Davis, A (2024). The artificial intelligence-enabled customer experience in tourism: a systematic literature review. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-04-2023-0255
Gretzel, U., Fesenmaier, D. R., Formica, S., & O'Leary, J. T. (2020). Searching for the future: Challenges faced by destination marketing organizations. Journal of Travel Research, 59(6), 998-1010.
Ivanov, S., Seyitoğlu, F., & Webster, C. (2024). Tourism, automation and responsible consumption and production: a horizon 2050 paper. Tourism Review.
Koo, C., Gretzel, U., Hunter, W. C., & Chung, N. (2021). The role of IT in tourism. Tourism Management Perspectives, 37, 100789.
Lee, Y. K., Lee, C. K., Lee, W., & Ahmad, M. S. (2021). Do hedonic and utilitarian values increase pro-environmental behavior and support for festivals?. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 26(8), 921-934.
Lee, Y. K., Sinha, P. N., Kim, S. H., Swanson, E. M., Yang, J. J., & Kim, E. J. (2023). The expatriate and local hotel general managers: Differing approaches to employees’ loyalty. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 18(10), 3394-3413.
Li, Y., Hu, C., Huang, C., & Duan, L. (2018). The concept of smart tourism in the context of tourism information services. Tourism Management, 58, 293-300.
Li, Z, Huo, M, Huo, T, & Luo, H (2024). Digital tourism research: a bibliometric visualisation review (2002–2023) and research agenda. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2023-0176
Lin, M. S., Sharma, A., Pan, B., & Quadri-Felitti, D. (2023). Information asymmetry in the innovation adoption decision of tourism and hospitality SMEs in emerging markets: A mixed-method analysis. Tourism Management, 99, 104793.
Liu, C, Zhao, Q, Gursoy, D, & Zheng, H (2024). Livestreamed tourism shopping: consumers' attitudes and behaviors. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-01-2024-0040
Liu, J, Mai, H, Zhao, X, & Zhou, Z (2024). Business tourism: a bibliometric visualization review (1994–2023). Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-11-2023-0813
Lyu, J, Li, Y, Mao, Z, & Huang, H (2023). The effect of innovation on tourists' revisit intention toward tourism destinations. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-05-2022-0258
Mariani, M. M., Di Felice, M., & Mura, M. (2018). Facebook as a destination marketing tool: Evidence from Italian regional destination management organizations. Tourism Management, 68, 321-343.
Rafi, KN, Gani, MO, Hashim, NMHN, Rahman, MS, & ... (2024). The influence of 360-degree VR videos on tourism web usage behaviour: the role of web navigability and visual interface design quality. Tourism …, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-06-2023-0383
Sigala, M. (2018). New technologies in tourism: From multi-disciplinary to anti-disciplinary advances and trajectories. Tourism Management Perspectives, 25, 151-155.
Sutomo, YAW, Sianipar, CPM, Basu, M, Onitsuka, K, & ... (2023). Tourism value chain: synthesizing value webs to support tourism development and planning. Tourism …, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-12-2021-0566
Tussyadiah, I. P. (2020). A review of research into automation in tourism: Launching the Annals of Tourism Research Curated Collection on artificial intelligence and robotics in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 81, 102883.
Wu, P, Zou, Y, Jin, D, Li, Y, & Zhang, J (2024). Daily vlog-induced tourism: impact of enduring involvement on travel intention. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-04-2023-0223
Xu, J, Shi, PH, & Chen, X (2024). Exploring digital innovation in smart tourism destinations: insights from 31 premier tourist cities in digital China. Tourism Review, emerald.com, https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-07-2023-0468