Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (HLT)

Section Information

Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism focuses on the study of service industries, recreational activities, sport management, travel behavior, and the social, cultural, economic, and environmental dynamics that shape global tourism and leisure systems. It examines how organizations, destinations, and communities create and deliver experiences that support well-being, engagement, and sustainable development.

Modern research in this field includes consumer behavior, service quality, tourism marketing, destination management, sport performance and analytics, leisure studies, event management, sustainable tourism strategies, hospitality operations, and the role of technology in enhancing visitor and participant experiences.

This section publishes empirical studies, theoretical analyses, reviews, and case reports addressing hospitality management, sport science, tourism development, leisure behavior, service innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches that inform practice and policy in these sectors.

Scope

Hospitality Management and Service Operations
- Hotel and restaurant management practices
- Service quality, customer satisfaction, and experience design
- Revenue management, operations optimization, and service innovation
- Human resource management and workforce development in hospitality
Tourism Management and Destination Development
- Tourism planning, policy, and governance
- Destination branding, marketing, and competitiveness
- Tourist behavior, motivation, and cultural influences
- Sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, and community participation
Leisure Studies and Recreation Management
- Leisure behavior, well-being, and quality of life
- Parks, recreation facilities, and community programs
- Outdoor recreation, adventure activities, and environmental engagement
- Leisure inequalities and access considerations
Sport Science and Sport Management
- Sport performance, training, and athlete development
- Sport governance, economics, and organizational structures
- Event management, sponsorship, and sport marketing
- Fan behavior, engagement, and sport analytics
Event Management and Experience Design
- Planning and execution of cultural, sporting, and corporate events
- Experience creation, audience engagement, and service delivery
- Risk management, logistics, and sustainability in events
- Impacts of events on communities and destinations
Sustainable and Responsible Practices
- Environmental management in hospitality and tourism
- Social responsibility, ethics, and stakeholder engagement
- Climate adaptation strategies for tourism and recreation industries
- Inclusive tourism and equitable access to leisure opportunities
Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation
- Smart tourism, digital hospitality, and automation
- AI, data analytics, and personalization in service delivery
- VR/AR applications for travel, recreation, and sport
- Online platforms, social media, and consumer engagement
Socioeconomic and Cultural Dimensions
- Economic impacts of tourism, sport, and hospitality industries
- Cultural heritage, identity, and experiential tourism
- Well-being, social inclusion, and behavioral trends
- Globalization and its influence on leisure and travel patterns