Bournemouth University (BU) Professor and leading eTourism expert Dimitrios Buhalis has joined the International Academy for the Study of Tourism as its youngest member. The membership recognises Professor Buhalis’ long-term contributions to the field of tourism research, including extensive studies into the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the industry.

The International Academy for the Study of Tourism is an organisation created to enhance both theoretical and practical research in the field of tourism, encouraging the application of tourism research findings and advancing the international exchange of knowledge.

Membership is comprised of highly accomplished tourism researchers from across the world.

Professor Buhalis, Deputy Director of BU’s International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research, will be officially inducted into the Academy at their next biennial conference to be held in Taiwan in 2011.

In her letter to Professor Buhalis, the Academy’s President Professor Pauline Sheldon of the University of Hawaii, USA, wrote:

"It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the International Academy for the Study of Tourism has voted to award membership in the Academy to you. This is not an easy honor to receive since it requires that two-thirds of all Fellows vote in your favor.

Congratulations on an honor so very richly deserved for the years and dedication you have given furthering the study of tourism. Your election strengthens the Academy and I warmly welcome you to this prestigious group."

Professor Buhalis said: “It is a great honour and a privilege to be elected to the International Academy for the Study of Tourism and to be the youngest member ever.

“I am also pleased to join BU Professors John Fletcher and Stephen Wanhill into the Academy and I look forward to work closely with other academicians for the developing the discipline.”

Hosting three academicians, BU now has the second highest membership into the Academy, closely following Hong Kong Polytechnic University.