Publishing in tourism and hospitality journals: Is the past a prelude to the future?

This study examines trends in publishing in tourism and hospitality journals over the past 40 years. It places the findings within the context of experiences and inherent dynamism of other disciplines. Exponential growth has been observed in both the number of journals available and number of papers published per annum. The single authored paper is an endangered species and has recently been replaced with the three or more authored paper as the norm. What has been observed in tourism is not unique. Instead, similar patterns have been noted in other disciplines and fields of study as they mature. These findings also offer insights into future direction and research needs at both a field and individual academic level. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.