Tourism research: building from other disciplines

Abstract

Tourism as a field of study is challenged to identify a theoretical core and disciplinary boundaries. While the phenomena of tourism may be considered a system of interlinked parts, the scholarly body of knowledge of tourism may be described as a mosaic of knowledge. This paper identifies a number of methodological problems that tourism research must address. We further propose that future study should focus its attention on core issues of tourism related to the consumer's pursuit of difference in their travel. Further, these core issues should be addressed using the most appropriate disciplinary theory and methodology providing the data needed to produce a holistic picture for deeper analysis.