People venture into tourist activities to expand their worldviews and experiences, and as such, it is common for them to face realities totally different from those they are used to. Therefore, it is essential to discuss tourist experiences related to issues with discrimination and equality such as racism, inherent prejudice, gender equality, indigenous rights, and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community to ensure the tourism industry is inclusive and safe. Promoting Social and Cultural Equity in the Tourism Sector provides relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest findings from empirical research on diversity and equity applied to tourism activity. The book also contributes to the discussion about the nuances inherent to tourism activities and experiences at tourist destinations. Covering a wide range of topics such as gender bias, employability, and diversity education, this reference work is crucial for hotel managers, activists, travel agencies, tour organizations, industry professionals, government officials, policymakers, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

"This book provides empirical research on diversity and equity applied to tourism activity for those who wish to improve their understanding of the social, cultural, and legal issues regarding diversity applied to tourism experiences and land development"--

Stories have always been part of tourism with tourists eager to both share and listen to stories about destinations. Destinations also build identity and distinctiveness by sharing stories with visitors. It is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the role that stories play in marketing and branding destinations, as well as how storytelling through digital mobile technologies can aid in these practices. Global Perspectives on Strategic Storytelling in Destination Marketing is a key reference that offers theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches to the study of storytelling in tourism at the organizational and destination levels, and from the perspectives of experience providers and customers. It further addresses current and future challenges of tourism organizations and destinations that may be tackled by creatively adopting storytelling as a strategy for brand differentiation and customer involvement. Covering topics such as film-induced tourism, heritage tourism, and community engagement, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for marketers, advertising executives, brand managers, travel agencies, tour operators, event and program managers, business executives, government officials, community leaders, students, researchers, academicians, professionals, and practitioners in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The tourism and hospitality industries have faced major setbacks in recent years as they have had to combat various challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly evolving global market. In order to ensure these industries are prepared for future crises, further study on the best practices and strategies for handling difficult times and managing growth is critical. The Handbook of Research on Urban Tourism, Viral Society, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic provides innovative research and perspectives on the revitalization of cultural tourism industries and services by addressing the creation of jobs in the areas of restoration, leisure, and culture. The book also analyzes how the tourism industry has handled global crises in the past and proposes business models for information and knowledge dissemination to appropriately handle disasters. Covering critical topics such as digital media and risk management, this major reference work is ideal for industry professionals, government officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

To enter the sports, events, and hospitality industry, it is necessary to develop and hone certain skills to ensure competitiveness. These skills must be studied further to educate those interested in pursuing a career in these fields on what it takes to begin this long process and enhance their employability. Employability and Skills Development in the Sports, Events, and Hospitality Industry provides insight into current professionals working in the sports, events, tourism, and hospitality industry and considers the skills and qualifications necessary to work within or enter the industries. Covering key topics such as hard skills, volunteerism, virtual events, and educational institutions, this reference work is ideal for event managers, coaches, property owners, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, scholars, educators, and students.

The hospitality industry is one of the most significant drivers of economic growth and socioeconomic advances in both developed and developing countries. This industry contributes directly to gross domestic product, job creation, income level, destination expansion, and economic development. Forecasts for 2020 indicated a promising year was ahead for this industry, but the COVID-19 pandemic had a catastrophic impact. Hospitality companies are experiencing one of the biggest, unprecedented crises to date, and experts must now rethink strategies to ensure these businesses’ recovery. Sustainability and Competitiveness in the Hospitality Industry focuses on complex issues from a hotel industry perspective. It surveys existing research by reflecting on the pandemic’s impacts and generates scenarios for how to strengthen business structures. Covering a wide range of topics such as digital hospitality and tourism products, this reference work is ideal for managers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, practitioners, researchers, academicians, instructors, and students.

To compete effectively today and remain sustainable over the long term, business organizations must create flexible means of generating competitive advantage given the hypercompetitive nature of the global marketplace in all industries including tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, thus requiring the tourism industry to reassess itself and realign operations with global and local realities. The Handbook of Research on Sustainable Tourism and Hotel Operations in Global Hypercompetition examines various aspects of the hospitality, recreation, and tourism industries. It contributes empirical research, theoretical development, and current best practices to the field. Covering topics such as sustainable medical tourism, technology acceptance model, and cultural tourism, this major reference work is an essential resource for community leaders, business executives and managers, government officials, librarians, students and faculty of higher education, researchers, and academicians.