How are companies and destinations “surfing the wave” of global tourism? : Strategic question overview

Purpose This paper aims to introduce the papers in this issue and explain the pertinence of the strategic question. Design/methodology/approach A brief context for the strategic question is provided, as well as the issue alignment and a content analysis of the papers selected. Findings From the analysis of the papers selected for this theme issue, it becomes clear that tourism has become one of the major players in international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income sources for developed and many developing countries. Originality/value The papers selected for this issue shed light on an important problem: the maintenance of authenticity in tourist destinations and also the preservation of the quality of life for local inhabitants.