International Journal of Tourism Policy (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Investigating the patterns in halal tourism and marketing: sentiment analysis and topic modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation  
  by Suraj Kushe Shekhar 
  Abstract: This paper identifies the patterns in halal tourism and marketing from scholarly literature using sentiment analysis and the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) technique. Positive sentiments were found to be associated with the theme of study. Five main themes established via topic modelling are the growth of the Islamic and halal industry, Muslim-friendly tourism practice, religious/cultural tourism experience, Islamic branding and consumer loyalty in the hospitality industry, and crisis management in tourism. Results indicate that successful understanding and meeting of expectations among Muslim consumers are associated with six key attributes: halal certification, respect for their cultural preferences when providing services, as well cultivating loyalty to the brand. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that digital platforms are crucial for halal tourism marketing and attracting Muslim consumers. The research offers managerial implications for marketers focusing on Muslim travel and calls attention to the importance of uniform halal standards to maintain consumer trust.
  Keywords: halal tourism; sentiment analysis; topic modelling; Muslim travellers; digital marketing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10073827
   
  
• Health tourism in Asia: definition framework, issues, and way forward  
  by Brian Kee Mun Wong, Ghazali Musa 
  Abstract: While studies on health tourism gain popularity among tourism researchers, the definition of health tourism remains a topic to deliberate, and no consensus has been reached so far. The paper opines on the domains of health tourism and proposes the integrative nature among the domains that develop the holistic health tourism experience. Health tourisms growth sparks societal concerns regarding social and economic aspects. Industry 4.0 technologies, like wearables, Internet of Thing (IoT), AI, robotics, VR, etc., are reshaping the healthcare sector, intensifying the commercialisation of health tourism in Asia. The paper proposes the definition framework of health tourism based on Asian contextualisation, discusses the current issues of health tourism, the cautious use of published health tourism revenues data, and describes the way forward of the sector driven by technology advancements. The three-prong implications of the paper are discussed.
  Keywords: health tourism; medical tourism; TCM; traditional and complementary medicine; wellness tourism; critical realism; SLR; scoping literature review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10074288
   
  
• Deceptive practices in tourism advertising: legal insights from Italy (1999-2019)  
  by Andrea Mangani 
  Abstract: Marketing and advertising play a vital role in the tourism sector, as they can significantly influence the likelihood of transactions, provided the messages are honest and reliable, thereby maintaining consumer confidence. Despite anecdotal evidence pointing to frequent instances of deceptive marketing in the tourism industry, there is limited research on the legal prosecution of such practices. To address this gap, this paper analyses legal investigations into deceptive advertising in the Italian tourism industry between 1999 and 2019. Our main objective was to identify the factors (complainants identity, advertiser size, media involved, and specific elements of deception) associated with the likelihood of deceptive practices. The findings indicate that the probability of deception is higher in cases involving direct advertising and price-related advertising. Several implications of the findings for consumers, tourism businesses, and regulatory agencies are highlighted.
  Keywords: deceptive advertising; tourism industry; Italy; regulation; legal proceedings.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10074506
   
  
• Factors influencing international tourists to revisit cultural and heritage sites in Jordan  
  by Khalid Alawneh, Kalsitinoor Set, Safiek Mokhlis 
  Abstract: This study examines factors which influence international tourists to revisit Jordan's cultural and heritage tourism (CHT) sites, with a focus on country-created social media (CCSM) and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). It tests perceived value and destination image as mediators and is grounded in StimulusOrganismResponse theory. Survey data from 350 international visitors to seven major CHT sites were analysed using SmartPLS. The findings indicate destination image directly increases revisit intention, while perceived value does not. CCSM does not influence perceived value but has an impact on destination image, whereas eWOM affects both perceived value and destination image. Mediation tests have shown that destination image mediates the effects of both CCSM and eWOM on revisit intention, whereas perceived value does not mediate the relationships between CCSM or eWOM and revisit intention. The study underscores the need for tourism managers to strengthen destination image via CCSM and eWOM to boost repeat visitation.
  Keywords: cultural and heritage; destination image; eWOM; electronic word of-mouth; revisit intention; social media.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.10074507
   
  
• Foreign tourists perceived perception of local food consumption: the case of Jordanian cuisine  
  by Nermin A. Khasawneh 
  Abstract: This study explores tourists perceptions of local cuisine in Jordan and examines the key attributes that influence their satisfaction with culinary experiences. Using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods, data were collected from a convenience sample of 308 international tourists. The analysis identified four core dimensions of local food perception: food distinctiveness and cultural heritage, affective image of cuisine, food price and quality, and nutritional value and healthy food. These dimensions highlight the factors tourists consider when evaluating local cuisine and their potential role in shaping satisfaction. The findings provide valuable insights for tourism professionals seeking to enhance culinary offerings, strengthen destination appeal, and enhance the destinations distinctiveness in an increasingly competitive tourism market. The study helps clarify how local cuisine influences tourists experiences and provides a foundation for improving culinary tourism strategies.
  Keywords: tourism; Jordan; local food image; food culture; tourist satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.10074572