Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC - 2nd Edition

Reviewed by Karen Tan, Assistant Professor, Middle Tennessee State University on 6/10/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Covers a range of topics that reflects the inter-sectoral nature of tourism industry.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Sources are cited, which helps improve credibility too.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

I am reading the 2nd edition, published in 2021, six years after the first edition was in 2015. Some of text and sources do not seem to have been updated. For instance, under Chapter 5.2 (Recreation and Adventure Tourism in DC), this was written, "It is estimated that there are approximately 2,200 outdoor/adventure tourism operators in BC. In 2001, this accounted for 21,000 jobs and $556 million in direct wages. The last sector-wide study in 2005 estimated that business revenues in outdoor adventure tourism accounted for approximately $854 million in annual business revenues (Tourism BC, 2013). Given the growth of adventure tourism over the last decade, it is likely these numbers have risen."

Clarity rating: 5

Materials are written in lucid and accessible prose, making it easy for lay people to read and understand.

Consistency rating: 5

Consistent terms are used throughout the text.

Modularity rating: 5

Each chapter is divided into shorter sub-chapters. The sub-chapters are further organized into shorter blocks of text that are easy to read.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Materials are presented in a logic and easy-to-follow manner.

Interface rating: 5

Intuitive, user-friendly.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Did not spot grammar errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Text was not culturally insensitive. In fact, it included a chapter on "Indigenous Tourism", thus recognizing the importance of cultural stewardship through tourism activities.

Reviewed by Yiran Liu, Assistant Professor, James Madison University on 3/29/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook effectively covers a wide array of topics related to tourism and hospitality, providing detailed insights into essential areas. Its comprehensive approach ensures readers gain an extensive understanding of tourism dynamics, specifically within the context of British Columbia.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The textbook demonstrates high accuracy, supported by rigorous research, updated content, and contributions from reputable academics and industry experts. Case studies and real-world examples enrich the material, maintaining factual correctness and relevance. Occasional updates are necessary due to the rapidly evolving nature of tourism, but the foundational content remains reliably accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content is structured with high relevance to the tourism and hospitality world, with terms and concepts applicable to past, present, and future contexts. Its strong focus on contemporary industry issues ensures it remains timely and engaging. The textbook's emphasis on the Canadian and specifically British Columbian context highlights how global tourism concepts manifest in local settings, enhancing its practical applicability within this region. However, its localized perspective might necessitate supplemental materials for those seeking a broader or more globally comparative view.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is notably clear and accessible. Key terms, glossary sections, interactive components, and structured chapter outlines further support clarity. While generally clear, certain complex topics might require additional instructional support for complete understanding among less experienced readers.

Consistency rating: 5

Overall, the textbook maintains a strong consistency in terminology, style, formatting, and pedagogical approach. Chapter structures are uniform, enabling readers to anticipate content and easily navigate through the text.

Modularity rating: 5

The modular design allows instructors flexibility in selecting chapters or sections independently based on instructional goals. Chapters typically function well individually, enabling their use in various course structures or as supplementary materials.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

Generally, the textbook's organization and structure facilitate effective learning, supporting clarity, ease of navigation, and logical progression of content.

Interface rating: 4

The interface is user-friendly, with clear navigation, consistent formatting, and interactive features such as hyperlinks and case studies. Visually appealing layouts with images, charts, and tables effectively illustrate key concepts, making the text engaging and comprehensible. However, the printed PDF version seems to cut off certain tables due to the layout format.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The textbook exhibits good editorial quality, well proofread, and largely free from grammatical or spelling errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text strongly emphasizes cultural relevance, notably highlighting indigenous tourism and socio-cultural dimensions specific to British Columbia and Canada. This inclusion enriches readers' understanding of regional tourism contexts and demonstrates sensitivity toward local heritage and cultural diversity. However, further enhancement can be made through broader representation in visuals and increased inclusion of global perspectives or comparative examples. Expanding these areas could help the textbook appeal more widely, strengthening its relevance both regionally and internationally.

1. Given the rapid pace of change in the tourism and hospitality industry, it's essential for students to develop skills beyond textbook learning, including critically evaluating external sources such as industry reports, news, and market analyses. Incorporating exercises or modules that guide students on identifying credible resources, analyzing evolving trends, and interpreting real-time data could significantly enhance their ability to adapt independently. Educators might supplement textbook content with assignments encouraging students to actively engage with current events, helping them bridge the gap between foundational theory and contemporary practice without the constant need to update the textbook.
2. To foster deeper engagement and critical thinking, embedding reflective questions between paragraphs could be highly beneficial. Thought-provoking queries integrated throughout the text would encourage students to pause, reflect, and relate theoretical concepts to practical scenarios, thus deepening their comprehension and promoting active learning. These embedded questions could prompt students to analyze case studies, predict outcomes, or assess the implications of certain tourism practices, making the learning process more interactive and dynamic.

Reviewed by Anita Zatori, Associate Professor, Radford University on 11/12/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Overall, the textbook is well-written and it provides an effective glossary. Despite its few limitations in respect of the covered topics (discussed below), it represents a great source for teaching and researching academicians and undergraduate and graduate students.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The e-book has a diverse range of authors, including seasoned academics and industry experts, enriching its overall value and providing a comprehensive perspective on the subject.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The textbook is incorporating a multitude of reference sources from the last five years, keeping the content fresh and relevant.

Clarity rating: 5

The clarity and readability of the textbook is great.

Consistency rating: 5

The terminology throughout the text is consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

I did not notice any problems with the modularity of text or visual elements.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The topics within the chapters are presented in a logical and clear fashion for most of times. However, I noticed some minor discrepancies in same chapters and the flow of some topics.

Interface rating: 5

The navigation between the chapters is easy.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text does not contain grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The content of the textbook is highly relevant to the cultural heritage of the region. The textbook dedicates a separate chapter on Indigenous Tourism.

In its 600+ pages and 14 chapters, this textbook discusses the global and regional facets of tourism, particularly within the context of British Columbia, Canada. Offering valuable insights into the regional and local dynamics of Canadian and British Columbian tourism, the book, while rich in content, may have limitations as a textbook due to its focused approach. However, it proves to be an invaluable resource for those researching Indigenous Tourism and the socio-cultural impacts of travel.
The textbook provides a detailed overview of the system of tourism from transportation, through hospitality and to the travel industry.
While it covers various essential areas of tourism, it falls short on discussing general tourism theory and also on dedicating a specific chapter to Destination Management. Despite this, it compensates by providing a lot of useful information for prospective graduates, such as the insightful Chapter 13 on career building.
I really liked that the book has so many case studies and links to interactive “check your knowledge” blocks throughout the chapters, and it’s incorporating a multitude of reference sources from the last five years, keeping the content fresh and relevant.
The e-book has a diverse range of authors, including seasoned academics and industry experts, enriching its overall value and providing a comprehensive perspective on the subject.
Overall, the textbook is well-written and represents a great source for teaching and researching academicians and undergraduate and graduate students.

Reviewed by Jangwoo Jo, Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 3/22/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook covers a wide range of topics, from industry overviews to accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services. This broad coverage ensures that readers gain a holistic understanding of the tourism and hospitality landscape in British Columbia. However, the textbook's primary focus is on the tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia. Consequently, readers from other regions or countries may find the content less applicable to their local circumstances. This narrow focus could limit the book's comprehensiveness for those looking for a more global perspective.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The authors have rigorously researched the content, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and up-to-date. The 2nd edition includes recent developments in the industry, such as advances in technology, sustainability practices, and cultural tourism trends. Nonetheless, the rapidly evolving nature of the tourism and hospitality industry means that some information may become outdated relatively quickly. Readers and instructors should be aware of this and seek to supplement their knowledge with more current resources when necessary.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The textbook maintains a strong focus on contemporary issues, such as the importance of sustainability and the impact of technology on the industry. By addressing these topics, the book remains highly relevant to the current landscape of tourism and hospitality. While the book covers essential topics and trends in the industry, it may not address all niche areas or emerging trends in-depth. As a result, readers might need to consult additional resources to gain a complete understanding of specific areas of interest.

Clarity rating: 5

The content is written in a clear and accessible manner, with each section organized in a logical sequence. The language is concise and easy to understand, making it suitable for readers with varying levels of experience. Although the textbook is generally clear and accessible, some readers may find certain sections or concepts more challenging to grasp. Instructors may need to provide additional support or clarification in these instances.

Consistency rating: 5

The book maintains a consistent format throughout, with each chapter following a similar structure. This consistency aids in the comprehension and retention of the material, but some readers may find that the level of detail provided in specific sections or examples is not always uniform. This could result in minor inconsistencies that may affect the learning experience.

Modularity rating: 5

The textbook is divided into six parts, covering essential topics such as industry overview, accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services, each focusing on a specific aspect of the industry. This modular organization allows readers to easily navigate the content and focus on topics that are most relevant to their needs. However, some chapters or sections might be too interconnected, making it difficult for readers to study specific topics in isolation.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The book's structure is logical and well-organized, with chapters grouped into thematic sections. This organization makes it easy for readers to locate specific information and follow the progression of concepts. However, some readers may prefer a more chronological or thematic structure that better highlights the connections between different aspects of the industry.

Interface rating: 4

The textbook is visually appealing, with a clean layout and appropriate use of images, charts, and tables. The interface enhances the overall learning experience and aids in the comprehension of complex ideas. Although the book has a visually appealing layout, some readers may find that the font size, color choices, or graphical elements make it difficult to read or engage with the content effectively.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The book is well-written and professionally edited, with no noticeable grammatical errors. The language is clear and concise, ensuring that the content is easily understood.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The authors have made an effort to include diverse perspectives in the book, such as the inclusion of indigenous tourism and its cultural significance. This cultural inclusivity enriches the content and showcases the unique aspects of British Columbia as a destination.

One of the standout features of this edition is its focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. With a rapidly changing global climate, the book emphasizes the need for sustainable practices within the industry and offers relevant case studies and examples from the British Columbia context. The authors also explore the impact of technology on tourism and hospitality, highlighting the role of digital marketing, social media, and data analytics in shaping consumer experiences and business strategies.

Another strength of this textbook is its integration of practical insights from industry professionals. Real-life examples, interviews, and case studies offer valuable perspectives and bring theoretical concepts to life. Furthermore, the inclusion of indigenous tourism and its cultural significance adds depth and diversity to the content, showcasing the uniqueness of British Columbia as a destination.

While the book is an excellent resource overall, it is worth noting that it is specifically tailored to the British Columbia context. As such, readers from other regions or countries might find it less applicable to their local circumstances. Nonetheless, many of the concepts, best practices, and case studies can still serve as valuable points of reference for those looking to understand and adapt these ideas in their own markets.

In conclusion, Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC, 2nd Edition is a valuable and engaging resource for anyone seeking to understand the fundamentals of the industry within the British Columbia context. The authors' commitment to addressing sustainability, technology, and cultural diversity makes it a highly relevant and informative textbook for today's tourism and hospitality professionals. With its blend of theoretical frameworks, practical insights, and engaging content, this book is highly recommended for students, educators, and industry practitioners alike.

Reviewed by Krista Marvel, Tourism and Hospitality Lecturer, University of Southern Maine on 2/21/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This high-quality text serves as an excellent introduction to the BC tourism industry. It covers a wide variety of topics related to hospitality, travel, and tourism. I found the chapter on Indigenous Tourism to be particularly interesting.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

Much of the information is relevant only to the Canadian tourism industry, and British Columbia in particular. If you are looking for an introductory text on US or North American tourism and hospitality, this is not it.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content is up to date in some areas. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of COVID-19 and its impact on Canadian tourism. However, there are some portions of the book that could use updating; for example, fuel prices are from 2013 and information on cruise ship waste disposal systems from 2008.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is organized and the topics flow nicely. The key terms listed at the end of each chapter is a good addition and the hyperlinks in the Take a Closer Look boxes are an excellent way to bring in additional content without distracting the reader.

Consistency rating: 5

Good consistency overall.

Modularity rating: 4

Portions of this textbook could easily be used to supplement other course materials, although much of the text is unique to British Columbian tourism.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Topics clearly outlined in each chapter and chapters are arranged in a logical order. The text is easy to read and any technical jargon is clearly defined in the key terms and/or glossary.

Interface rating: 5

No issues with the text interface. It is not as professional-looking as some textbooks, but for an open access resource, it is fine.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Free from noticeable errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

It is suitable for use in British Columbia. I would have liked to see more depth in the chapter on global tourism, and maybe an additional summary chapter on tourism in the other Canadian providences.

This text has been developed by many hospitality professionals, and so has benefitted from their diverse experiences and voices. The scope of the text is suitable for an introductory text, however, use of this text is limited to studies of British Columbian tourism. That being said, I applaud the writers of this text and hope that their example will inspire US hospitality educators to create a similar product.

Reviewed by Daniel Bowan, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University - Pueblo on 12/23/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book did a good job of tackling a rather broad subject with comprehensiveness.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book was accurate, but a bit outdated in a rapidly evolving field.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

For an introductory book, a large focus on region and thus this limits this books relevance outside of British Columbia.

Clarity rating: 5

Clear, organized, and well-written.

Consistency rating: 4

Overall, good consistency.

Modularity rating: 5

Sufficient.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Good organization, the chapter learning objectives, and end of chapter exercises were very helpful and useful.

Interface rating: 4

Font and online presentation was good, but could have been better.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Well written textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Adequate.

This is a well researched and well put together book. The main critique is its utility outside of British Columbia. The organization and overall content is strong, however the rather large emphasis on a specific region limits this books relevance to tourism courses outside the geographic region.

Reviewed by Linda Oakleaf, Assistant Professor, Missouri Western State University on 5/21/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This serves as a comprehensive view of tourism in British Columbia. Along the way, the text can serve as a solid introduction to tourism concepts more generally (e.g., what is tourism, travel and transport, hospitality services, marketing, etc.) The chapter on Aboriginal Tourism is particularly helpful.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and well sourced. The good use of sources to support the text helps greatly with the text's accuracy.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content is up-to-date. It will need frequent updates, but this is not unique to this particular work. Tourism, marketing, and the ways in which people consume tourism products are constantly changing. The chapter on upcoming trends will obviously need updates from time to time, but other parts of the text can be updated without too much effort. Some of the case studies will also need to be refreshed so that they don't seem dated.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is clearly written in a way that will be accessible to most undergraduates. Although the text introduces terms that are relevant to the topic, each section includes a list of key terms to help students navigate this. These are also assembled into a glossary at the end. The jargon and special vocabulary that is used is necessary to understanding the topics under discussion.

Consistency rating: 5

The book seems consistent in tone. Each chapter has a similar look to it, making it easier for students to navigate.

Modularity rating: 4

Although not long for a printed work, the chapters seem a little long for an online text, which can sometimes benefit from shorter sections. It would be relatively easy to break readings out by subheadings if one wished to do so. The chapters are in a logical sequence, but if a professor wished to have students read them in a different order, this should not cause much trouble in terms of comprehension.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The chapters in the text are presented in a logical sequence. My only bone to pick is that the chapter on Aboriginal Tourism did not seem to flow well. This is partly because it is the only specific type of tourism that was specifically addressed with its own chapter. The topic is necessary and important. I am glad the chapter is there. However, since it is the only chapter of its type, it ends up feeling somewhat like an orphan in terms of the flow of the text.

Interface rating: 5

The book works fine in terms of interface. I had no problems with navigation. The images were all clear. The text itself was formatted in a way that would be helpful for students, to highlight for them material that they should study. The format for the text was consistent throughout.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text seemed to be culturally sensitive. The photographs in the text rarely featured people at all, but when they did they reflected some diversity. The case studies could have been better used to highlight issues of diversity.

The text makes good use of case studies. The visual cues within the text serve as signposts for students. The text is clear and understandable. It covers important introductory concepts about tourism, in addition to concepts related specific to tourism in British Columbia, Canada. The chapter, Aboriginal Tourism, included material that is sometimes hard to find in other texts and thus was particularly valuable. This is a good textbook.

Reviewed by Mark Beattie, Clinacl Assistant Professor, Washington State University on 6/20/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text offers a wide variety of topics for an introductory course. Some chapters I found to be quite unique such as: Aboriginal Tourism and Environmental Stewardship. Excellent additions to a survey course! While the text is intended to be focused on British Columbia, it does limit itself by only offering an introduction and closing chapter with a larger context. Bottom line: for what the course covers, it is comprehensive. There is a glossary, but the text lacks an index.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

I am not familiar enough with hospitality and tourism in British Columbia to assess the accuracy of all topics. What I can observe are the selection of authors are well-recognized as subject matter experts and the chapters are cited and documented thoroughly. Having toured in BC myself, the text enhanced my understanding of the Provence.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

This text is focused narrowly on the British Columbia and as such limits its relevancy to those interested in study of the region. I reviewed both the printed copy and the online version of the textbook and noted there were several revisions and updates in the online version. This implies the authors’ commitment to the longevity by keeping content current.

Clarity rating: 5

The text has a nice layout to each of the chapters which adds to the clarity. These comments will flow through to the next section on consistency, so I am reviewing these in tandem. Each chapter begins with Learning Objectives, contains “Spotlight on” and “Take a closer look” inserts, and ends with Key Terms, Exercises and a Case Study. Finally, there is a complete bibliography for each chapter. From both a teaching and student perspective, having clear consistent content facilitates the learning process.

Consistency rating: 5

Following my previous comments on clarity, the construction of each chapter includes headings followed by concise topics. Photos, web links, and tables support further research by the students without creating distractions. In other words, the student will know what to expect each time they encounter a “Take a closer look” insert and can return to the main reading once they have discovered a bit more about the topic.

Modularity rating: 5

Each chapter is designed to stand on its own merit. I would open with the Ch. 1: History and Overview and conclude with Ch. 14: Back to the Big Picture chapters as the text is constructed. Outside of these bookends, I would feel flexible to mix and match the chapters in any sequence. While they can be presented independently, they are outlined to be presented in a nice flow in how it is presently designed.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This is truly the textbook’s strong point. It is organized with flexibility in mind, yet flows nicely start to finish. Each chapter is organized in the same fashion, making it consistent and provides smooth transitions between topics. This is important for both students and instructors.

Interface rating: 5

I checked several links as I went through the various chapters. All that I checked worked and many had evidence of recent updates. The links in the featured boxes “Spotlight on” and Take a closer look” all were well placed and could take the reader out and back into the main body of the text without distractions. In this section, I would like to share my review of the exercises and case studies found at the end of each chapter. These are well-suited to discussions and activities in either a face-to-face or online course. I would find them particularly useful in a hybrid or “flipped” course delivery where the expectation would be that the student has come into the class meeting prepared to tackle activities and discussions using these tools.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is written in British English as it is a Canadian focused text. Given this, the grammar and spelling were consistent throughout the text and I noted few, if any, errors. It was easy to read without distractions of editing.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I am so happy to see the chapters on Environmental Stewardship and Aboriginal Tourism. These are fantastic examples of cultural relevancy and are a pleasant surprise to find in a survey course text. Well played! I found these chapters in particular to be very interesting and entices me to take advantage of some of the eco-tourism and visits to our First Nations to the north.

I selected this text to review as it was the only one available for Hospitality Business Management. I hope this will inspire others to model this kind of production for other courses relevant to our field. Hats off to BC for being an early adopter!