Introduction: Case-based research in tourism, travel, and hospitality: Rethinking theory and practice

Abstract

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous changes and shifts have been introduced in tourism and hospitality, while the need of resilient capabilities become even more apparent. In this ever-changing world, industry and academia alike need to continuously reflect and rethink upon their operations. This book represents a compilation of case studies aiming to help scholars to enrich and rethink the way they teach and research. The book advocates case studies, as important tools to update and upgrade our teaching and research capabilities and outcomes. As a best example of work-integrated learning, case studies are proposed as an important tool to implement authentic learning and assessment, enabling students to practice active and reflective learning and develop the necessary capabilities to become work industry ready. All case studies are accompanied by a teaching note providing useful guidelines on how to best integrate them into instructional methods. As a research tool, case studies are also advocated as a useful way to adopt a social science approach, because by enabling us to embed industry and society into all the research stages (e.g. design, data collection, and interpretation), case study research can ensure real-world research outcomes while helping us introduce some ‘new theorizing’. The book includes 13 case studies that delve into current and relevant challenges and practices within the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. Based on their major focus, the case studies are grouped into three major topic categories, namely: leadership and strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and sustainability and community engagement. By encompassing a wide range of disciplines and employing diverse research methods, the case studies are useful to scholars and learners across various fields.