Random thoughts on tourism studies : a dialogue amongst five scholars (Ⅱ) epilogue–reflections on internationalization vis-à-vis localization in tourism studies

Abstract

This closing part of the dialogue revisits and reflects upon the ongoing debate about internationalization versus localization in the tourism studies community. In light of ontological and epistemic perspectives, methodological approaches, media of communication or dissemination, and disciplinary boundaries or territories, it is often acknowledged amongst the five discussants that the meanings or definitive aspects of the two notions are open to interpretation, so are the implications or implementations of both ideas(or ideals) in tourism studies subject to contexts. Much of the discussion focuses on theory development, originality and innovation, and the contribution of China or Chinese tourism research to the global corpus of tourism knowledge. The dialogue concludes by returning to its initial points of departure, albeit at a higher level, for more paradigmatic discussions.