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This chapter examines the potential of solar energy for the development of sustainable tourism in Croatia. Tourism is an important economic activity in the Croatian economy due to the mild climate and many sunny days. Solar energy photovoltaic and thermal systems can help to support sustainable tourism, as well as increase employment and cooperation between local and national governments. This study compares best practices in solar energy for the Mediterranean countries of Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Greece. The Mediterranean Basin is a strategic development area for the European Union, and solar energy will help to maintain its stability and high-quality standards of living.

The objective of this research conducted in the city of Cuenca is to elaborate on the management platform model of the smart tourist destination (STD). The chapter provides the components to develop such a system as a pilot plan. To maximize the impact of the proposed approach and enhance the decision-making capacities of local actors, the metrics that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) developed for the so-called intermediate cities in the study “Cuenca Sustainable City” are used. The platform (www.smarturcuenca.com) considers the transcendence of the current reality of the tourism sector, which is open to multidisciplinary work with other sectors to promote the rational use of cultural and natural resources through the Internet of Things (IoT).

Innovation is critical to the tourism industry. Living Labs (LLs) are innovation ecosystems which are becoming popular in tourism. LLs are a model of open innovation characterized by a networked approach to innovation. Local communities and businesses are usually excluded from processes of decision-making concerning the management of tourism. LLs enable local communities' participation in the sustainable development of tourism, thereby providing them the opportunity to increase their share of benefits. This chapter focuses on a case study of an LL recently created in Portugal and discusses LLs as an environment for tourism innovation where the local community is stimulated to explore competencies to cocreate value.

Introduction: Skills are vital for the survival of an organisation to meet its objectives through producing goods and services. Due to their importance, they are among the sought-after aspects of employment. However, organisations need more skilled employees to bridge the gaps due to disruptions, shifts in consumer demands and needs, and transformations in the global world.

Purpose of the Study: This study aims to identify various skill gap in talent, competencies, and experience emerging in the hospitality sector. It will also present some challenges to the hospitality sector that faces due to the skill gap identified.

Industrial and Academic Justification of the Study: The study examines the needs and challenges from academic and industry perspectives. Hence, it provides significance for academics and industry to apply the findings to address skill gap.

Research Gap: Previous research has focused on different aspects of skills in other countries. This study will look at the issue globally and the recent trends emerging from disruptions and shifts in consumer behaviour.

Results and Findings: Though the study is ongoing, the findings show that specific skill gap exist, particularly in emerging technologies, digitisation, data, robotics, and various job openings from different countries’ perspectives, hospitality, and the tourism industry.

Practical Implications: The findings have implications for the tourism and hospitality industry as a whole, as well as individual organisations. The tourism and hospitality industry should apply these suggestions, such as operational skills, digital skills, and interpersonal skills in various sections of tourism and hospitality organisations

This chapter examines three Italian cities that have experienced a transition from “Fordism to tourism”: Genoa, Turin, and Milan. After an industrial crisis, they have invested in culture and tourism as alternative ways of development. This transition is examined using the theoretical framework of urban regimes highlighting five development trends: the city as a growth machine, the Fordist city, the creative city, the city as entertainment machine, and the blue-green city. By adopting this theoretical framework, the evidence shows how academic institutions, tour operators, and public authorities may or may not work together for the tourism development of their cities.

Purpose: The hospitality industry faces several contemporary issues and challenges that have the potential to impact its growth and development. This study aims to identify and analyse contemporary issues and challenges facing the hospitality industry, including trends, regulations, and Tech salutation.

Need for the study: The hospitality industry plays a significant role in the global economy with its diverse services, including accommodation, food and beverage, events, and tourism. However, the sector faces several contemporary issues and challenges that have the potential to impact its growth and development. This study will provide an overview of the most significant problems and challenges facing the hospitality industry today.

Methodology: The researchers used secondary data for the analysis of the chapter. The researchers reviewed journal papers, books, book chapters, government websites, handbooks, reports, internet, and official records for identification of issues and challenges in the hospitality industry.

Findings: The study identified several contemporary issues and challenges facing the hospitality industry, including the impact of technology and COVID-19 on operations and customer experience, changing consumer preferences for sustainable and ethical practices, labour shortages and retention issues, increasing competition, and changing regulatory environments.

Practical implications: The hospitality industry faces numerous contemporary issues and challenges that impact its sustainability and profitability. Industry stakeholders must understand and address these challenges to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing global market. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the contemporary issues and challenges facing the hospitality industry and suggest potential strategies for addressing these challenges.

Senior travelers are an attractive market segment and increasingly participate in an internet-mediated society. This chapter examines the profile of senior tourists who booked their trip to the Azores using online travel agencies. The purpose is to analyze their motivation factors based on the travel motivation scale for senior tourists, using 17 items related to the motivations for visiting the destination, and to ascertain whether there are different groups of senior tourists based on sociodemographic characteristics, travel motivations, and experiences performed. Using a structured questionnaire and a sample of senior tourists, three distinct clusters are obtained.