SPECIAL ISSUES in Tourism Geographies
Special Issues - there are two types of Special Issues possible for Tourism Geographies.
Conference Sponsorship - If you would like to invite Tourism Geographies to be a sponsor or supporter of you conference or other academic event, please see our guidelines below.
- Regular Special Issues - are collections of new papers on a single topic or theme. These may fill an entire issue of the journal (8 to 10 papers), or may only comprise a portion of the journal (minimum of 4 papers).
- Virtual Special Issues (VSI) - are curated collections of papers that were previously published in Tourism Geographies and are compiled together and made available online in a permanent collection.
Conference Sponsorship - If you would like to invite Tourism Geographies to be a sponsor or supporter of you conference or other academic event, please see our guidelines below.
Guidelines for Regular Special Issues
A Special Issue in Tourism Geographies is a coherent collection of papers on a specific topic that is appropriate to the aims and scope of the journal and has a broad international appeal. While the editors of Tourism Geographies may initiate a special issue, it is more common to have a Special Issue that draws on the skills and talents of guest editors who are willing to devote a high level of focus and enthusiasm to achieve a successful outcome. The journal, therefore, welcomes innovative proposals of high quality and relevance from prospective individuals or teams.
A Special Issue should be similar to a well-edited book, with attention being given to the range and mix of article types, as well as to the inclusion of a state-of-the-art review article that is developed or led by an accomplished scholar. Special Issues that are based on more narrowly defined workshops or regional meetings should consider inviting additional authors to offer a broader and more comprehensive scope to their topic.
Please note that Tourism Geographies prefers to limit the use of Call-for-Papers (CfP) that are sent to general email listservs, such as Trinet, RTSNet, TourismAnthropology, and TourismGeography (IGU). Guest editors are allowed to post a maximum of two CfPs to each of these lists. Instead, guest editors are encouraged to identify authors who are specifically active in the special issue topic and to contact them directly.
A Special issue does not need to fill an entire issue of the journal. A minimum of four accepted papers is required to set aside a "special topic" area within the journal. If the Special Issue is able to fill an entire issue of the journal (about 9 to 12 papers), then the publisher will often consider republishing the Special Issue as a book after the journal version is released.
The primary responsibilities of the guest editor(s) includes:
(1) The guest editor(s) initially contacts the Editor-in-Chief (Alan Lew) for Tourism Geographies (TG) to inquire about potential interest in the topic of the proposed special issue. This should address the goals of the Special Issue, who the market will be for the special issue, and information on the qualifications of the guest editor(s). Alternatively, the guest editor(s) may wish to work with one of the other TG Editors; if so, the Editor-in-Chief should be kept informed of discussions and will have final approval for a special issue to more forward.
Special issues require considerable editorial commitment on the part of the guest editors. This mostly involves contacting authors and reviewing multiple versions of their papers. It is suggested that there be at least two guest editors to help share this burden. Three might be even better. TG journal editors are also often willing to help out by serving as one of the guest editor on a special issue that they find of interest.
(2) If the topic is deemed suitable for the journal, then the guest editor(s) sends a list of contributors and paper titles (abstracts are optional), to the TG Editor to review and approve. It is assumed that the guest editor(s) have already contacted most (though perhaps not all) the authors about the proposal, while also telling them that the proposal is still under review by the journal.
(3) If the list of authors and paper titles is approved by the TG Editor, then the guest editor(s) informs the authors and arranges for their papers to be written following the TG Notes for Contributors, and submitted to TG through the ScholarOne online submission website. Authors must check the "Special Issue" box when submitting the paper and also indicate the special issue topic and guest editor(s) in their cover letter or note to the editor box to ensure that the paper is not treated as a regular submission. If that box is not checked, then the paper will likely be reviewed without consideration for the special issue.
(4) All papers will go through a mostly traditional double blind review process and only papers that are successful in that process will be published. Reviewers will be informed that the paper is being considered for a special issue.
TG accepts about 20% of submitted papers, so you can expect that some papers may be rejected. That being said, most Special Issues have much higher acceptance rates, although there have also been some rare instances in which most the papers submitted were rejected. The guest editor(s), therefore, is expected to pre-review the papers prior to formal submission to the review process to ensure that they have a solid conceptual/theoretical basis and appropriate methodological rigor. The TG Editor will oversee the entire review process and will make the final decision on paper acceptance, based on the anonymous reviews, and in consultation with the guest editors where warranted.
In addition to the TG Notes for Contributors, guest editor(s) are encouraged to share the following website with authors to help them to properly orient their papers to minimize simple case studies: How To Avoid a Desk Rejection: Forget the Case Study
(5) It is expected that all papers will have completed the review, revision and acceptance/rejection process within 18 months from the time that the special issue topic was approved by the TG Editor-In-Chief. The guest editor(s) should, therefore, establish some clear deadlines for contributing authors. Papers submitted to the special issue will be published online as they are accepted and copy edited. However, they will not appear in print until the last paper is accepted and processed, which can take a considerable length of time, depending on the individual author. Guest editors need to be aware that they are committing themselves to a fairly long process to see the special issue through to its completion.
(6) The guest editor(s) will provide the TG Editor with three names of potential reviewers for each paper. Usually at least a third of those people will decline an invitation to review the paper. Additional names are welcome, though the TG Editor will also draw on other databases of referees to ask. Do not recommend authors who are contributing to the Special Issue to review contributions, nor members of the TG Editorial Board. The TG Editor will invite the reviewers to review the papers, the guest editor(s) does not need to do this. The guest editor(s) may be included as an anonymous reviewers for the papers.
(7) The guest editor(s) is required to write an introduction to the special issue. This introduction is treated as a commentary and is usually not sent for review (though exceptions can be made depending on the nature of the introduction). Sometimes the TG Editor will also contribute to the introduction as one of its authors, depending on the circumstances of the particular topic.
(8) If there are other papers that have been recently accepted for publication in TG that are closely related to the special issue topic, they may be include in the same issue. The TG Editor will discuss this with the guest editor(s) if this situation arises. Sometimes these are also brought up in the guest editor's Introduction, but not always. If we can fill most of an issue with papers that follow the same topic, then Routledge/T&F is likely to offer to re-publish the special issue for distribution as a book, which is a nice bonus.
Please contact Alan A. Lew, TG Editor-in-Chief, if you have any questions about this process.
A Special Issue should be similar to a well-edited book, with attention being given to the range and mix of article types, as well as to the inclusion of a state-of-the-art review article that is developed or led by an accomplished scholar. Special Issues that are based on more narrowly defined workshops or regional meetings should consider inviting additional authors to offer a broader and more comprehensive scope to their topic.
Please note that Tourism Geographies prefers to limit the use of Call-for-Papers (CfP) that are sent to general email listservs, such as Trinet, RTSNet, TourismAnthropology, and TourismGeography (IGU). Guest editors are allowed to post a maximum of two CfPs to each of these lists. Instead, guest editors are encouraged to identify authors who are specifically active in the special issue topic and to contact them directly.
A Special issue does not need to fill an entire issue of the journal. A minimum of four accepted papers is required to set aside a "special topic" area within the journal. If the Special Issue is able to fill an entire issue of the journal (about 9 to 12 papers), then the publisher will often consider republishing the Special Issue as a book after the journal version is released.
The primary responsibilities of the guest editor(s) includes:
- Identifying authors and securing their participation (see 1 and 2 below),
- Ensuring coherence among the submitted contributions (2),
- Working with the authors to ensure that the initial submissions meet appropriate conceptual and methodological standards and are submitted on time (3, 4 and 5),
- Suggesting reviewers to the TG Editor (6), and
- Writing an introduction for the Special Issue (7 and 8).
(1) The guest editor(s) initially contacts the Editor-in-Chief (Alan Lew) for Tourism Geographies (TG) to inquire about potential interest in the topic of the proposed special issue. This should address the goals of the Special Issue, who the market will be for the special issue, and information on the qualifications of the guest editor(s). Alternatively, the guest editor(s) may wish to work with one of the other TG Editors; if so, the Editor-in-Chief should be kept informed of discussions and will have final approval for a special issue to more forward.
Special issues require considerable editorial commitment on the part of the guest editors. This mostly involves contacting authors and reviewing multiple versions of their papers. It is suggested that there be at least two guest editors to help share this burden. Three might be even better. TG journal editors are also often willing to help out by serving as one of the guest editor on a special issue that they find of interest.
(2) If the topic is deemed suitable for the journal, then the guest editor(s) sends a list of contributors and paper titles (abstracts are optional), to the TG Editor to review and approve. It is assumed that the guest editor(s) have already contacted most (though perhaps not all) the authors about the proposal, while also telling them that the proposal is still under review by the journal.
(3) If the list of authors and paper titles is approved by the TG Editor, then the guest editor(s) informs the authors and arranges for their papers to be written following the TG Notes for Contributors, and submitted to TG through the ScholarOne online submission website. Authors must check the "Special Issue" box when submitting the paper and also indicate the special issue topic and guest editor(s) in their cover letter or note to the editor box to ensure that the paper is not treated as a regular submission. If that box is not checked, then the paper will likely be reviewed without consideration for the special issue.
(4) All papers will go through a mostly traditional double blind review process and only papers that are successful in that process will be published. Reviewers will be informed that the paper is being considered for a special issue.
TG accepts about 20% of submitted papers, so you can expect that some papers may be rejected. That being said, most Special Issues have much higher acceptance rates, although there have also been some rare instances in which most the papers submitted were rejected. The guest editor(s), therefore, is expected to pre-review the papers prior to formal submission to the review process to ensure that they have a solid conceptual/theoretical basis and appropriate methodological rigor. The TG Editor will oversee the entire review process and will make the final decision on paper acceptance, based on the anonymous reviews, and in consultation with the guest editors where warranted.
In addition to the TG Notes for Contributors, guest editor(s) are encouraged to share the following website with authors to help them to properly orient their papers to minimize simple case studies: How To Avoid a Desk Rejection: Forget the Case Study
(5) It is expected that all papers will have completed the review, revision and acceptance/rejection process within 18 months from the time that the special issue topic was approved by the TG Editor-In-Chief. The guest editor(s) should, therefore, establish some clear deadlines for contributing authors. Papers submitted to the special issue will be published online as they are accepted and copy edited. However, they will not appear in print until the last paper is accepted and processed, which can take a considerable length of time, depending on the individual author. Guest editors need to be aware that they are committing themselves to a fairly long process to see the special issue through to its completion.
(6) The guest editor(s) will provide the TG Editor with three names of potential reviewers for each paper. Usually at least a third of those people will decline an invitation to review the paper. Additional names are welcome, though the TG Editor will also draw on other databases of referees to ask. Do not recommend authors who are contributing to the Special Issue to review contributions, nor members of the TG Editorial Board. The TG Editor will invite the reviewers to review the papers, the guest editor(s) does not need to do this. The guest editor(s) may be included as an anonymous reviewers for the papers.
(7) The guest editor(s) is required to write an introduction to the special issue. This introduction is treated as a commentary and is usually not sent for review (though exceptions can be made depending on the nature of the introduction). Sometimes the TG Editor will also contribute to the introduction as one of its authors, depending on the circumstances of the particular topic.
(8) If there are other papers that have been recently accepted for publication in TG that are closely related to the special issue topic, they may be include in the same issue. The TG Editor will discuss this with the guest editor(s) if this situation arises. Sometimes these are also brought up in the guest editor's Introduction, but not always. If we can fill most of an issue with papers that follow the same topic, then Routledge/T&F is likely to offer to re-publish the special issue for distribution as a book, which is a nice bonus.
Please contact Alan A. Lew, TG Editor-in-Chief, if you have any questions about this process.
Special Issues and Tourism Places
Depending on the topic, Special issues may contain a mix of theoretical and case study papers. When this is the case, the theoretically-base papers will be treated as Regular Research papers, whereas those that are primarily case studies will be treated as Tourism Places articles. The Editors will determine which papers are designates as Tourism Places articles. All Special Issue papers will appear in the same issue of Tourism Geographies. Click here for more information on Tourism Places.
Depending on the topic, Special issues may contain a mix of theoretical and case study papers. When this is the case, the theoretically-base papers will be treated as Regular Research papers, whereas those that are primarily case studies will be treated as Tourism Places articles. The Editors will determine which papers are designates as Tourism Places articles. All Special Issue papers will appear in the same issue of Tourism Geographies. Click here for more information on Tourism Places.
Guidelines for Virtual Special Issues (VSI)
A Virtual Special Issues (VSI) is a curated selection of papers that were previously published in Tourism Geographies and are compiled together and made available as a permanent collection online. The collection of articles could
The articles in the collection will have free access for the first 6 to 12 months after the VSI appears online. The VSI remains permanently as a distinct online issue beyond the free access period.
(1) The guest editor(s) select a theme for the virtual special issue (VSI) and proposes it to the Editor-in-Chief, along with potential articles that have been published in Tourism Geographies that would be included in the VSI. Preferences is for papers that have been published in the past three years, though some older papers may also be included. The number of articles can vary from about 7 to 15, and would be available for free access for 6 to 12 months (determined by the publisher, Routledge/Taylor & Francis).
(2) The Editor-in-Chief will review the proposal and may consult with other Editors before making a final decision.
(3) Upon approval, and with possible additional recommendations, the guest editor(s) will submit the final list of articles, along with a short Introduction to the special issue. This will then be transferred to the publisher who will create a web landing page for the VSI.
(4) The guest editor(s) is required to write an introduction or overview of the Virtual Special Issue that will be included online with the selected articles. This introduction will be permanent part of the VSI.
Here are two examples of VSIs from other journals:
- Support a the special theme of a conference or other academic event (see below for more information)
- Commemorate an event, a milestone or a prominent scholar
- Reflect a strong and clearly identified theme that has been identified by a prospective editor
The articles in the collection will have free access for the first 6 to 12 months after the VSI appears online. The VSI remains permanently as a distinct online issue beyond the free access period.
(1) The guest editor(s) select a theme for the virtual special issue (VSI) and proposes it to the Editor-in-Chief, along with potential articles that have been published in Tourism Geographies that would be included in the VSI. Preferences is for papers that have been published in the past three years, though some older papers may also be included. The number of articles can vary from about 7 to 15, and would be available for free access for 6 to 12 months (determined by the publisher, Routledge/Taylor & Francis).
(2) The Editor-in-Chief will review the proposal and may consult with other Editors before making a final decision.
(3) Upon approval, and with possible additional recommendations, the guest editor(s) will submit the final list of articles, along with a short Introduction to the special issue. This will then be transferred to the publisher who will create a web landing page for the VSI.
(4) The guest editor(s) is required to write an introduction or overview of the Virtual Special Issue that will be included online with the selected articles. This introduction will be permanent part of the VSI.
Here are two examples of VSIs from other journals:
- Virtual Special Issue on Climate Change and Political Geography
- Directions: A Virtual Issue celebrating 40 years of the Journal of Geography in Higher Education
Guidelines for Conference Sponsorship or Support
Like many journals, Tourism Geographies often received invitations to be be a sponsor or supporter of academic conferences related to the journals mission. We are happy to do this, with the following considerations in mind.
Please contact the Editor-in-Chief, Alan Lew, if you have questions or would like to further pursue having Tourism Geographies listed as a supporter of your conference or other academic event.
- If you would like to propose a Special Issue based on papers from your conference or event, then you must follow the guidelines above for Regular Special Issues. The proposal requires that you have clearly identify potential authors and the papers they will be presenting at your event, and confirm their interest in submitting a full paper to Tourism Geographies.
- Please consider creating a Virtual Special Issue, based on the guidelines above, which could be made open access prior to and during your conference or event. This could provide a basis for discussions and context for your event, although its feasibility would depend on the topic and how well it has been covered in past issues of Tourism Geographies.
- You can also simply encourage authors to submit their individual papers to Tourism Geographies, without a special issue focus in mind. Some conference organizers have provided a pre-editing and review service for papers before they are formally submitted to Tourism Geographies, which can be helpful to many authors. These papers, however, will be treated by the journal's editors in the same way as any other independently submitted paper that the journal receives. Conference organizers are cautioned to no imply to authors there their paper will be part of a special issue or will otherwise receive any special considerations.
Please contact the Editor-in-Chief, Alan Lew, if you have questions or would like to further pursue having Tourism Geographies listed as a supporter of your conference or other academic event.
