Responses to COVID-19 in Tourism Geography Education and Research

Keywords: COVID-19, tourism geographies, geography education, community engagement
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had widespread impacts for those engaged in tourism geography education and research. This paper incorporates diverse international perspectives to consider the ways in which tourism geographers across nine countries responded to the challenges – and the opportunities – the pandemic presented in both teaching and research. Tourism geography educators were quick to adapt to the virtual delivery mode and the dramatic changes that occurred in 2020. However, educators were concerned about their inability to engage students in field experiences. Tourism geography researchers encountered challenges related to research topics, fieldwork, and methodologies. Yet, countless new short- and long-term research topics emerged from the pandemic. Overall, tourism geographers were optimistic that they will have a vital role to play in understanding and shaping patterns of tourism in the future. In particular, these geographers felt that increased engagement with communities is important in working toward a tourism landscape that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable.