The International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) was founded in Hangzhou on August 15, 2006. It was established by26 Founding Members from around the world. The Secretariat is headquartered at Peking University in Beijing. ITSA was registered as a non-profit organization in Hong Kong in March 2008. The main objective of ITSA is to bridge the gaps in tourism studies and research, education, and training between developed and developing countries and also between China and the rest of the world.
ITSA is unique among international associations of tourism scholars and practitioners. It is the only such association with its headquarters in Mainland China and has the mission to encourage interaction and cooperation between members in developing and developed countries.
ITSA implements various activities to achieve its objective. It provides a forum for exchange of research ideas and sound research practices in tourism studies among scholars worldwide. ITSA has a particular focus on Asia and the developing countries; and also is very active in the People’s Republic of China. ITSA communicates important research findings through a variety of channels for the benefit of tourism scholars and practitioners.