Conclusion: what innovations would enable the tourism and hospitality industry to re-build?

Purpose This paper aims to provide answers to the question: "What innovations would enable the tourism and hospitality industry to re-build?". Design/methodology/approach At the outset, it redefines the concept of 'Innovation" in the context of the hospitality and tourism industry. It then focuses on post-pandemic re-building best practices in tourism and hospitality. It captures the essence of the articles in this theme issue collection on innovative actions from around the world and presents concluding remarks. Findings This article summarises the key findings of this theme issue and it draws generalized conclusions about re-building the tourism and hospitality industry. In conclusion, 14 key learning outcomes are presented. These include topics such as: rethinking tourism and hospitality products and services, sustaining resilience, collaboration between the government, academia and industry, special interest tourism, domestic tourism, crisis management, digital transformation, the health and safety of all stakeholders, operational efficiencies and environmental sustainability. Research limitations/implications This research contributes to the emerging research theme of tourism and hospitality post-pandemic re-building. Practical implications There are a number of practical implications in terms of industry approaches to the adoption of innovative strategies to re-build tourism and hospitality operations around the world. Originality/value Readers who are interested in international best practices of hospitality and tourism should find this concluding article of interest.