Towards a holistic approach for measuring tourism success: contribution to a new paradigm

Purpose The purpose of this article is to critically review the contributions made by the global trends issue participants and to present the lines of action in the form of a proposal for measuring tourism success that is based on a clear move towards sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A content analysis of the papers selected was performed so as to identify the most significant outcomes of this global trends issue in terms of the contributions to knowledge and/or professional practice. Findings The wide range of perspectives put forward by authors provide a thorough review of the concept and practice of sustainability and its application to the tourism sector, explore a variety of angles that are central to the balanced development of tourism and shed light on new approaches to the measurement of tourism success. Originality/value The articles contained in this global trends issue demonstrate that tourism cannot solely be an economic equation, but rather an engine for sustainability across its three commonly accepted pillars: Economic, Socio-cultural and Environmental.