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Why hotel crisis plans collapse when panic sets in, according to hospitality leaders

Researchers found that successful crisis leadership depends on preparation before a crisis, decisive action during disruption, and reflective learning afterwards to improve future resilience. The study identified eight key leadership skills, including emotional regulation, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Groundbreaking TSESOM framework redefines sustainable operations for botanic gardens

The TSESOM framework proposes a dynamic service ecosystem approach to manage sustainable operations in botanic gardens, integrating biodiversity research and ecosystemic thinking. It offers a flexible tool for transformative collaboration and innovation, supporting planetary health and global sustainability transitions.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

QR codes can influence whether older customers return, USF study shows

A USF study found that easy-to-use QR codes significantly reduce frustration and cognitive load among older adults, leading to higher satisfaction and customer loyalty. The research emphasizes the importance of businesses incorporating user-friendly technologies to cater to seniors' needs.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 22, 2026

Why gay men can feel more attractive on holiday

A new study by the University of East London reveals that gay men's desirability shifts depending on their location and digital platforms. Queer men of colour may receive more attention abroad, but this boost is often short-lived and tied to novelty rather than lasting confidence.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2026

Is tourism the most undervalued skills training ground in the economy? Hospitality work builds over 100 transferable skills, challenging the sector’s ‘low-skilled’ reputation

Research from the University of Surrey found that tourism and hospitality workers develop over 100 transferable skills, including empathy, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are in demand across various sectors of the economy and have been adopted by European policy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateMar 25, 2026

Live in the city or the country? How your location — and your thoughts on death — shape your travel choices

A study found that people's responses to thoughts of mortality shape their travel decisions, with those in tourism hotspots seeking meaningful, slow experiences. In contrast, residents in low-tourism areas are more likely to adopt negative coping strategies, leading to fewer travel opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 16, 2026

Tourists are fuelling exploitative working conditions by demanding cheap holidays warns new research

A new study from the University of Surrey and Strathclyde University finds that customers' obsession with cheap travel is linked to low wages and harmful working environments for service staff. The research highlights evidence of widespread harassment of service workers, particularly among airlines and hospitality companies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Can Canada’s health systems handle increased demand during FIFA World Cup?

A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 19, 2026

Tourism is quietly rewriting women’s lives in countries under strict religious rule, according to a new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that women in Iran's tourism sector are navigating state control, religious authority, and patriarchal norms to earn, lead, and be seen. They use digital platforms, peer networks, mentoring, and training to build visibility, income, and independence.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

One bad safety review can tank an Airbnb booking — Even among thousands of positive ones, new study finds

A new study found that safety-related reviews on Airbnb can reduce bookings and lower nightly prices, with a significant impact from personal experiences. The study suggests increasing transparency to balance financial incentives with customer welfare, providing the greatest long-term benefits.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2025

Backyard birders in South Africa may continue to enjoy biodiversity in visiting birds under climate change scenarios, while climate change and declining biodiversity may decrease birding in protected public parks

Under climate change scenarios, backyard birders in South Africa can still appreciate diverse bird species, but declining biodiversity and climate change may reduce birding opportunities in protected public parks. The study found that cultural ecosystem services, like birding, have non-market value and are essential to human well-being.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·DateOct 22, 2025

AI could stop hotels and restaurants wasting food, energy and talent - so why aren’t they using it?

A new study by the University of Surrey found that AI technologies can give hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines a competitive edge while improving environmental and social impact. The research calls for targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships, and government-backed incentives to speed up AI adoption.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Cultural values shape tourists’ view of eco-friendly B&Bs

A cross-cultural study of 800 people from 37 countries found that tourists from rule-based cultures like China and India support green features in B&Bs more strongly. In contrast, Western cultures prioritize rooftop gardens over eco-friendly facilities. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural values when marketing s...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalConsumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2025

Kyoto conundrum: More hotels than households exist in ancient capital

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals six neighborhood-units in Kyoto's southeastern area have a disrupted balance between residences and accommodations, with hotspot locations near transportation hubs. Effective zoning policies are recommended to address overtourism's adverse social effects.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2025

Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions

Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 6, 2025

Are hotel managers becoming obsolete in the age of AI?

A recent study by the University of Surrey suggests that hotel managers may need to adapt to AI-driven system management, shifting their focus from controlling to coaching staff. Effective communication, emotional intelligence, and creativity are key strategies for managers to navigate this transformation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Space tourists' experience might be affected by how their parasympathetic nervous system functions, per study of novice passengers during and after zero-gravity parabolic flights

A study on novice passengers during and after zero-gravity parabolic flights reveals that their parasympathetic nervous system function plays a crucial role in shaping their space travel experience. The research highlights the need for assistance to be provided to space tourists to mitigate potential effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateApr 23, 2025

Nature positive: lots of rhetoric, little reality

A new study by Griffith University reveals that the term 'nature positive' is being used more for political rhetoric than actual conservation efforts, posing a threat to biodiversity. The research found that only 0.01% of the global tourism sector makes net positive contributions to conservation.

SourceGriffith University·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2025

Obesity surgery tourism – only approved centres should be carrying out recognised procedures to avoid further tragedies

New guidelines from European Association for the Study of Obesity aim to improve patient safety in obesity surgery medical tourism. The guidelines recommend multiple aspects of care, including at least 2 years of follow-up and pre-operative alcohol screening, to prevent serious injuries and death.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2025

Nationalism, geopolitical tensions, cultural gaps, and economic crises are reshaping global tourism, study finds

A new study by University of Sharjah finds that deglobalization is transforming global tourism, with travelers influenced by nationalist sentiments, geopolitical tensions, and cultural gaps. This shift towards domestic and culturally familiar travel has major implications for the global travel industry.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalTourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 11, 2025

Hiring people with disabilities positively influences hotel guest perceptions, finds study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that employing people with disabilities in hotels boosts customer intentions to recommend and revisit hotels. Guests perceive hotels that employ PWD as more socially responsible, leading to increased positive word-of-mouth communication and repurchase intention.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

How skills from hospitality and tourism can propel careers beyond the industry

A new study from the University of Surrey identifies 116 unique transferable skills gained in hospitality and tourism jobs, which can lead to lucrative opportunities in finance, healthcare, and technology. Former workers in these sectors have successfully transitioned into high-demand roles by leveraging the skills they developed while...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024