‘Spirituality in practice’ in sustainability tourism research

Abstract

A more critical and engaging tourism sustainability research is needed, and this note argues that a valuable contribution can come from the scholars’ engagement with their spirituality. The main argument is that spirituality and sustainability are strictly interrelated, and such link should be an integral part of the methodology of studies about sustainability and tourism. Elaborating on the concept of reflexivity, this note coins the expression ‘spirituality in practice’, which is explained using an example based on the author’s experience. This note challenges tourism scholars to reflect on and make explicit how their position in terms of spirituality influences their choices regarding sustainability research.