Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of the millennials segment that is most likely to cause a significant disruption in the way the tourism sector is currently structured. A profile of this segment has been developed along with an analysis of the marketing implications for destinations and tourism providers.Design/methodology/approach: The research involved examining academic, institutional and trade literature to provide an overview of the millennials profile and the related developments causing disruptive changes in the tourism sector.Findings: The characteristics of the millennials with the greatest potential to disrupt the tourism sector are their strong digital skills, high degree of permanent connectivity, search for outstanding experiences and altruistic behaviours. The results already present from these characteristics – with a high probability of intensifying in the future – are the practice of volunteer tourism, search for places not connected with tourism and adoption of new, disruptive technologies. Even though volunteer tourism is an act of altruism, it can have harmful implications for tourist destinations in which it occurs. In addition, tourist invasions of places traditionally occupied only by residents can lead to the removal of locals from these places, manifestations of “tourismphobia” and ultimately degradation of these tourists’ experiences. Finally, the adoption of disruptive technologies by tourism agents to fulfil the millennials’ demands for immediate responses reduces human interactions highly valued by millennials and, therefore, requires close monitoring.Originality/value: This study’s value arises from its systematic identification of the millennials characteristics that are most likely to disrupt the tourism sector’s functioning, allowing the relevant stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies, minimise potential negative impacts and maximise opportunities.

This study sought to develop a conceptual model of innovative tourism product development, because the existing models tend to provide an incomplete framework for these products’ development. The models presented to date focus on either the resources needed, the tourism experiences to be provided, or development processes. These models also tend to see the overall process as linear. The proposed model gives particular importance to the development process’s design, as well as stressing a dynamic, nonlinear approach. Based on the new services or products’ concept, project managers identify tourism destinations’ core resources, select the stakeholders, and design transformative tourism experiences. This framework can be applied to innovative tourism products or re-evaluations of existing products in order to maintain tourism destinations’ competitiveness. Thus, the model is applicable to both destination management companies and the private tourism sector.

Purpose: This paper sought to examine the pertinent literature to identify trends that lead to the emergence of new tourist profiles. The study simultaneously focused on analysing the implications of these new tourist segments for service providers. In a time characterised by constant and accelerated change, the tourism market environment must be systematically and proactively monitored to define more carefully adjusted marketing strategies. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examined the academic, institutional and trade literature to provide an overview of the main trends and profiles of the main market segments. Findings: The most relevant segments identified and profiled are the seniors and millennials. The importance of this two generational segments for tourism derives from their large dimensions and strong interest in travelling. Empirical evidence has been found that the senior segment comprises two distinct sub-segments: “younger at heart” and “older at heart”. Therefore, seniors cannot be targeted as a homogeneous segment. Regarding the millennials, they are considered digital natives, who look for authentic experiences and see themselves as travellers rather than tourists. They are expected to be the largest market segment by 2020. The implications of each segment profile for service providers are discussed. Originality/value: The profiling of the two most important tourist segments allows managers to design more effective marketing-mix strategies to implement along the different stages of the tourism consumption process, which include the pre-travel, during-travel and post-travel phases.

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which residents’ perceptions of their place image can predict their perceptions of the impacts of tourism, and ultimately, to elucidate their support for sustainable tourism development in Midyat, Turkey. This city currently faces a range of negative impacts associated with tourism, such as inflation, high leakage, threats to family structures, environmental degradation, pollution, and crowding. At the same time, Midyat seeks to maximize the positive impacts of tourism, including job creation and employment, environmental protection, cultural and educational enrichment, and recreational opportunities. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a strategic shift in development. The study population consists of residents residing in Midyat, Turkey, from whom three hundred and fifty-six questionnaires were collected. PLS (Partial Least Squares) path analysis was utilized to analyze the research model constructed based on the literature. The results demonstrated that residents’ place image significantly predicted two out of three impacts of tourism, namely, socio-cultural and economic impacts. Additionally, residents’ perceptions of environmental and socio-cultural impacts were significant predictors of their support or opposition to sustainable tourism. While perceived environmental impacts have a positive effect on support for sustainable tourism, perceived economic impacts have a negative effect. This finding can guide tourism planners and professionals to make more informed decisions and take stronger steps toward sustainable tourism development. This study revealed that the quality of life, job opportunities, infrastructure, and economic income of Midyat’s residents are insufficient. However, the city is characterized by social attributes, such as friendliness, trust, and supportiveness. The results are limited to local residents, and using only one tourist stakeholder to assess sustainable tourism development is insufficient. Therefore, additional research must be performed to guarantee the involvement of other tourism stakeholders.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess whether sociodemographic variables explain significant differences in attitudes towards transforming academic conferences into more sustainable events. Design/methodology/approach: An analytical model of participants' attitudes towards sustainable conferences based on literature review as well as the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour was developed and applied to a sample of 532 surveyed individuals from 68 countries who regularly attended academic conferences in the last five years prior to 2020. The results were refined using statistical and computational techniques to achieve more empirically robust conclusions. Findings: Results reveal that sociodemographic variables such as attendees' gender and age explain differences in attitudes. Women and older adults have stronger pro-environmental attitudes regarding event sustainability. On the other hand, attitudes towards more sustainable academic conferences are quite strong and positive overall. More sustainable events' venues, catering, conference materials and accommodations strongly influence attendees' attitudes towards more sustainable conferences. The strength of attitudes was weaker towards transportation. Research limitations/implications: First, the analyses focused on only aspects related to the attendees' attitudes. Assessing their real behaviour would complete this research. The geographical areas defined by the U.N. and used in this study have the limitation of combining highly developed countries and developing countries in the same geographical area, for example, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific. Practical implications: Specific socio-demographic variables' effects on attitudes towards sustainable academic conferences can indicate how organisers can best promote these events according to attendees' characteristics and develop differentiated marketing campaigns. For women and older adults, event sustainability should be emphasised as a competitive strategy to promote events and attract these audiences. Marketing strategies for younger attendees (under 30 years old) could focus on technology, networking or attractive social programmes. Sustainable venues, catering, conference materials and accommodations are easier to promote. Event organisers should encourage participants to make more environmentally friendly decisions regarding more sustainable event transport. Social implications: A strategy based on promoting the event as contributing to sustainable development could educate attendees and put them on the path to developing stronger positive attitudes regarding sustainability and more sustainable behaviours. Sustainable academic conferences can educate students, organisers, service providers and delegates through their involvement in sustainable practices. Originality/value: To our best knowledge, this research is the first to assess whether sociodemographic variables explain significant differences in attitudes towards the sustainable transformation of academic conferences.

This editorial sought to highlight the relevance and potential of the senior tourism market; discuss shortcomings related to current aged-based segmentation approaches; and highlight the contributions made by each of the nine papers of this Special Issue on Senior Tourism. This editorial updated relevant data related to the senior tourism market, emphasizing todays characteristics of this segment. It points also directions for future research and concludes that this special issue makes a significant contribution to senior tourism research.