Be inspired.
A world first. A seminal text.
A unique initiative.
100 leaders from every sector of tourism and hospitality from 30 countries share their insights on the future of leadership in the industry.
Contributors include ministers of State, Presidents of companies and national tourist boards, the owners of family businesses, education specialists and heads of NGOs. The voices come from around the world, from New Zealand to Ireland, South Africa to Norway, from Madagascar to the Isle of Arran.
A comprehensive global overview of the challenges facing leaders throughout the tourism and hospitality industry, it reflects on personal insights and lessons. It examines the evolving dynamics facing future leaders and explores the skills and personality traits needed to lead a balanced, sustainable, resilient and viable industry over the next ten years.
‘There has never been a greater need for the world’s travel and tourism leaders to understand what’s happening in our industry, and how we must adapt to thrive.’
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA – The Travel Association.
‘Carefully selected by the curators, this timely volume brings together the insights and experiences of distinguished leaders from diverse sectors of tourism, travel, and leisure. These contributors have demonstrated exceptional leadership in demanding circumstances.’
Professor Der-Long Fang, President of the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism.
Tourism on the Edge: Leadership on the Line
Inspiring Future Leaders
Terry Stevens with Harry Connolly and João Vasco Neves
Paperback | 288 pages | ISBN 9781805952688 | £40
Publishing 20 October 2026
Book extracts
'Sustainable tourism requires leadership that reflects the diversity of our communities and understands the importance of protecting our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. This book is a timely and important contribution to that ambition, inspiring more young people to step forward and shape a tourism and hospitality sector that delivers lasting benefits for people, places and future generations.’
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Cardiff, Wales/Cymru.
‘The future of tourism depends on leadership that is diverse, collaborative and courageous enough to embrace change. Tourism is one of the world’s most people-centred industries. It therefore deserves leadership that reflects the diversity of the people it serves. Organisations that encourage different perspectives, collaboration and inclusive decision-making are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, respond to changing traveller expectations, and build resilient destinations.’
Vanja Kavčić, Founder, WomenIN Business and Leadership by
INTERNATIONALIS and NORD Communications, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The Curators
The strategist, a multi-award-winning international tourism development and destination management specialist.
The activist, the visionary behind the transformational changes that have taken place in the challenging environment of West Belfast.
The identity and reputation planner, an internationally renowned branding expert who has worked across many jurisdictions.
‘A great leader in tourism is not defined by their ability to market and sell a location, but by their capacity to cultivate a leadership culture that navigates this terrain.’
Dr Birgit Trauer, The Cultural Angle, Australia.
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