CALL FOR PAPERS 

Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research 

Special Issue on

Tourism in Central Asia

(for publication in APJTR, 2026) 

Guest Editors 

Simone Bianco, Ph.D.

School of Hotel and Tourism Management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, China

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ying Wang, Ph.D.

School of Hotel and Tourism Management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, China

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Tourism in Central Asia

Central Asia, comprising countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and beyond, is a region rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. As a crossroads of civilizations along the ancient Silk Road, the region offers unique opportunities for tourism development that can significantly contribute to the region's socio-economic growth. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2023 projections, Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to GDP in the region is projected to grow by 6.2% per annum to USD 6.4 billion from 2023 to 2033. To fully realize its tourism potential, the region needs to address key challenges and obstacles such as improving infrastructure and services, ensuring resilience and political stability, reducing regulatory barriers, and promoting sustainable practices.

This special issue aims to gather scholarly research that delves into the myriad aspects of tourism in Central Asia. We are interested in studies that explore the challenges, opportunities, and progress in relation to community and culture, technology and innovation, management strategy, human resources and education, marketing, consumer behavior, as well as trends and future directions of tourism in Central Asia. Contributions that offer insights into policy development, technological advancements, and innovative strategies for tourism promotion in Central Asia are highly encouraged.

Potential Topics

Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research (APJTR) is the official journal of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (Founded September 1995). It seeks to publish both empirically and theoretically based articles of high quality, which advance and foster knowledge of tourism.

We invite researchers, academics, and industry professionals to submit original papers on topics framed within the context of Central Asia, including, but not limited to:

  • Community Tourism
  • Cultural Tourism
  • Adventure and ecotourism
  • Data analytics in tourism
  • Destination Management
  • Digital transformation in tourism
  • Event management
  • Human Capital Development for the tourism industry
  • Megatrends in hospitality
  • Megatrends in tourism
  • Metaverse and blockchain in tourism
  • Role of AI in tourism
  • Role of robots and robotics in tourism
  • Smart Tourism
  • Strategic management for tourism destinations
  • Strategic management for tourism firms
  • Tourism and geopolitics
  • Tourism Education
  • Tourism Marketing
  • Tourism planning and development
  • Tourism sustainability
  • Tourist needs and motivation
  • Wellness tourism
  • Any other topics related to the theme of the special issue

Review Process

Full papers submitted to this special issue are subject to the standard review procedures and rules of APJTR.

  • Submissions will be blind-reviewed by at least two reviewers.
  • Based on the reviewers’ recommendation, the guest editors and the Editor-in-Chief will decide whether the particular submission is accepted as it is, revised and re-submitted, or rejected.

Submission Guidelines

Initial Abstract Submission

Length:

Interested researchers are required to submit a 1,000-word abstract outlining the paper's idea, methodology, and (anticipated) contributions by 15 March 2025. Decision regarding the invitation to submit the full paper will be given by 15 April 2025.

Formatting:

The abstract must be typed in English, using Times New Roman (12-point font), double-spaced.

Submission Process:

  • Please submit your abstract via email to Dr. Simone Bianco at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using the following as subject: “Submission APJTR Special Issue on Tourism in Central Asia”
  • PRECEDENCE WILL BE GRANTED TO PAPERS SUBMITTED TO THE OBOROT 2025 CONFERENCE, which will take place from 24th to 27th of June, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Full Manuscript Submission

Length:

Abstracts that make a significant contribution and fit the theme of the special issue will be invited for full paper submission to the special issue. The final submissions should be between 6,000 and 10,000 words, including references, tables, and figures.

Formatting:

Final manuscripts must adhere to the APJTR's "Instructions for Authors," which can be found at APJTR Author Guidelines.

Submission Process:

  • Please submit your full manuscript through the APJTR online submission system at APJTR Submission Portal.
  • During submission, select the special issue titled “Tourism in Central Asia”

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 March 2025

Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15 July 2025

Expected Publication Date: Early 2026

Contact Information

  • Simone Bianco, Ph.D. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Ying Wang, Ph.D. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.