Journal of Tourism Challenges and Trends (JTCT)

The Journal of Tourism Challenges and Trends publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed research in dynamic and emerging areas of tourism, including sport tourism, active tourism, sustainable tourism development, tourism management, and interdisciplinary tourism studies.

Reviewers play a central role in ensuring the academic rigor, credibility, and reputation of the journal.

1. Purpose of Peer Review

The peer-review process aims to:

• Ensure scientific quality and originality
• Improve the clarity, structure, and contribution of manuscripts
• Support editorial decision-making
• Maintain ethical and academic standards
• Advance knowledge in tourism research and practice

JTCT follows a double-blind peer review process, where both author and reviewer identities remain confidential.

2. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

• Provide objective, fair, and constructive feedback
• Evaluate manuscripts based on academic merit
• Respect confidentiality of the review process
• Complete reviews within the requested timeframe
• Declare any potential conflicts of interest

Reviewers should not use unpublished information from manuscripts for personal research or advantage.

3. Before Accepting a Review Invitation

Please confirm that:

• The manuscript matches your area of expertise
• You can complete the review within 2–3 weeks
• You have no conflict of interest with the authors or their institutions

If unable to review, please decline promptly and, if possible, suggest alternative qualified reviewers.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers should assess the manuscript according to the following criteria:

1. Relevance and Scope

• Is the topic aligned with the journal’s focus on tourism challenges and trends?
• Does it contribute to sport tourism, active tourism, sustainable tourism, or related fields?

1. Originality and Contribution

• Does the study provide new insights or theoretical advancement?
• Does it contribute to policy, practice, or academic debate?

1. Literature Review

• Is the literature current and comprehensive?
• Does it demonstrate a clear research gap?

1. Methodology

• Is the research design appropriate?
• Are data collection and analysis methods clearly explained?
• Are ethical considerations addressed?

1. Results and Discussion

• Are findings clearly presented?
• Are interpretations supported by evidence?
• Does the discussion connect results to theory and practice?

1. Structure and Clarity

• Is the manuscript well organized?
• Is the language academically appropriate?
• Are tables and figures clear and relevant?

1. References and Citations

• Are sources properly cited?
• Are references current and relevant?

5. Ethical Considerations

Reviewers should be alert to:

• Plagiarism or duplicate publication
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Ethical approval issues in empirical research
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest

Any concerns should be reported confidentially to the Editor.

6. Writing the Review Report

A high-quality review should include:

1. Summary of the Manuscript

Briefly summarize the study’s purpose, methods, and findings.

2. Major Comments

• Substantive issues related to theory, methodology, analysis, or contribution
• Suggestions for strengthening the manuscript

3. Minor Comments

• Language corrections
• Formatting suggestions
• Clarifications

4. Recommendation

Select one of the following:

• Accept
• Minor Revisions
• Major Revisions
• Reject

Please ensure that comments to authors remain professional and constructive.

7. Confidential Comments to the Editor

Reviewers may provide confidential remarks regarding:

• Ethical concerns
• Publication suitability
• Serious methodological flaws
• Suspected misconduct

These comments will not be shared with the authors.

8. Timelines

Reviewers are expected to:

• Submit their review within 2–3 weeks
• Notify the Editor immediately if additional time is required

Timely reviews support efficient publication within the journal’s biannual schedule.

9. Confidentiality Policy

All manuscripts under review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not:

• Share manuscripts with others without permission
• Discuss content publicly
• Use data or ideas prior to publication

10. Recognition of Reviewers

JTCT values the contribution of reviewers. Recognition may include:

• Annual acknowledgment list
• Certificates of reviewing
• Consideration for editorial board membership

By agreeing to review for the Journal of Tourism Challenges and Trends, reviewers contribute to advancing high-quality scholarship and strengthening research in tourism studies globally.