Tourism is one of the most dynamic and consequential global phenomena of the 21^st century. It encompasses an extraordinary diversity of typologies, coastal and marine, rural, urban, cultural, heritage, nature, ecotourism, active and adventure, wellness, gastronomic, religious, dark, sports, film, business, MICE, and many others, each generating distinct economic, social, cultural, and environmental effects. As a field of study, tourism has evolved from a predominantly managerial and marketing-oriented discipline into a rich, interdisciplinary area of inquiry that engages with geography, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, urban and regional planning, cultural studies, environmental science, and technology studies.

While mass tourism in coastal and metropolitan areas has long dominated academic and policy agendas, the contemporary tourism system is far more complex. Mid-sized cities, rural communities, mountain regions, islands, peripheral territories and emerging destinations are now recognized as frontiers of innovation, sustainability and authentic human experience. They offer a unique convergence of cultural heritage, outdoor activities, local identities, and a growing appeal for business travel. Companies increasingly seek destinations that provide environments conductive to productive meetings, team-building, conferences, and corporate retreats, combined with quality of life cultural richness and active leisure opportunities, the bleisure (business + leisure) phenomenon. These destinations offer competitive, cost-effective, and less congested alternatives to saturated global capitals, while simultaneously boosting local economic growth, attracting talent, and enhancing regional visibility.

However, tourism also faces structural challenges: climate change, overtourism, seasonality, infrastructure deficits, social inequality, digital divides, and the need for more resilient and inclusive models. The success of tourism increasingly depends on the third sector (local associations, cooperatives, foundations, social enterprises, and non-governmental organizations) which act as custodians of intangible heritage, catalysts for community mobilization, and bridges between public administration and private enterprise. These entities are redefining tourism not as an extractive industry, but as a positive, regenerative force for local and territorial socio-economic development.

At the same time, fast technological advancements, from AI-powered destinations management platforms and geospatial analytics to immersive digital storytelling, hybrid event technologies, smart mobility solutions, and big data, are enabling destinations to overcome traditional barriers, enhance visitor experiences, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen the quality of life for residents.

This Topical Collection, ‘Encyclopedia of Tourism’, responds to the urgent need to systematically map, define, and synthesize knowledge about this multifaceted and faster evolving field. We invite contributions that celebrate and critically analyze how tourism, in all its typologies, can foster territorial cohesion, social equity, environmental protection, and lasting economic vitality, positioning it as a cornerstone of 21^st century sustainable development.

The Collection aims to compile a comprehensive, peer-reviewed reference work that gathers contemporary and historical knowledge of tourism, fully aligned with Encyclopedia’s mission to publish authoritative, reliable, and objective entries across all scientific fields. This Collection seeks to be an indispensable resource for academics, destination managers, policymakers, civil society organizations, corporate event organizers, technology developers, and local communities, while stimulating new systemic perspectives on the planning, governance, and experiential dimensions of tourism.