How can you measure the impact of sustainable tourism research?

3 How can you measure the impact of sustainable tourism research?

Measuring the impact of sustainable tourism research is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors, such as the type, scope, and duration of the research, the intended and unintended outcomes and effects of the research, and the perspectives and interests of the stakeholders involved or affected by the research. To measure its impact, you should first define your research objectives and impact goals, such as how they align with the SDGs or other relevant frameworks. Secondly, identify your stakeholders and impact indicators to determine who would benefit from your research and how to measure and demonstrate its impacts. Thirdly, you should plan and implement an impact strategy that maximizes potential for impact using ethical methods and tools. Lastly, monitor and evaluate your impact performance by collecting evidence and feedback on the impacts of your research. Reporting and reflecting on the results should be done using transparent and honest criteria.

4 What are the challenges of measuring the impact of sustainable tourism research?

Measuring the impact of sustainable tourism research poses several challenges, such as attribution, timing, diversity, equity, and quality. Establishing a clear and causal link between research and observed or claimed impacts can be difficult when multiple factors and actors are influencing the same outcomes. Additionally, it can be difficult to capture both short-term and long-term impacts, as some may take years or decades to materialize. Different types and levels of impacts must also be accounted for, such as cognitive, behavioral, organizational, or systemic. Balancing the interests and perspectives of different stakeholders is also important, as some may have more power or influence than others. Lastly, ensuring the validity and reliability of data and methods used to measure impacts can be difficult when some impacts are difficult to quantify or verify.

5 How can you improve your research skills for sustainable tourism impact measurement?

Measuring the impact of sustainable tourism research is a complex and dynamic process that requires a range of research skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, and reflexivity. To hone your skills for this purpose, you should engage with literature and best practices on research impact measurement, participate in training and mentoring programs, collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders, experiment with different methods and tools, and reflect on your own assumptions and biases. Moreover, seek feedback from peers and supervisors on your plans and evaluations, share your knowledge with them, learn from their perspectives and inputs, adapt methods to your context, and challenge yourself to consider alternative or contradictory views.