Faculty Research: Muzzo Uysal Leads Global Efforts to Reimagine Tourism as a Force for Well-Being and Inclusion

Muzzo Uysal, PhD, professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Isenberg School of Management, is redefining the purpose and impact of tourism. Recently appointed president of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, Uysal continues to champion research that advances tourism as a vehicle for quality of life, sustainability, and cultural understanding.

While his academic journey began with a degree in accounting and business administration, Uysal was drawn to the social sciences, their application to tourism and hospitality, and their impact on economic development, cultural exchanges, and community well-being.

“My early studies in the social sciences provided a broad lens through which I began to view the field of tourism and hospitality not merely as an economic engine but as a cultural and psychological force that affects individuals and societies in profound ways,” he says.

That foundation shaped Uysal’s career-long focus: exploring how tourism can enhance lives, especially when thoughtfully designed and inclusively managed. Over the years, his research has increasingly examined the sector’s role in supporting the social and economic vitality of host communities, particularly in emerging destinations.

“This belief not only motivates my scholarship but also informs my engagement with policymakers, destination managers, and global research networks, where I advocate for human-centered approaches to tourism planning and evaluation,” says Uysal, whose recent research on quality of life was published in Tourism Management.

Elevating Tourism Scholarship Worldwide

As president of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism—a global consortium of leading tourism scholars—Uysal is committed to advancing a better understanding of tourism.

“My primary goal is to elevate the visibility and impact of tourism scholarship by encouraging research that not only deepens our theoretical understanding but also addresses pressing global challenges, such as sustainability, equity, and well-being,” he says. “I aim to create more inclusive spaces for emerging scholars, expand cross-regional research partnerships, and support evidence-based policies that reflect tourism’s complex role in shaping societies and improving quality of life worldwide.”

For travelers, quality of life means meaningful, enriching experiences; for host communities, it includes cultural preservation, access to employment, and environmental integrity, according to Uysal.

“Understanding this dynamic is essential because tourism has the potential to be a force for good, contributing positively to individuals’ happiness and the collective well-being of destinations, but only when managed responsibly and inclusively,” he says.

Designing Destinations That Work for Everyone

Uysal is working on a project that explores the balance between perceived social density and resident well-being in Cape Cod—a region grappling with overcrowding due to seasonal tourism. Collaborating with visiting scholar Dr. Elif Ulker-Demirel of Trakya University in Turkey and PhD student Jiahui Wang, Uysal expects to generate actionable data to inform local planning. Similar studies are launching in two additional East Coast cities.

“Projects like these can offer valuable insights for both residents and policymakers in the region,” he says, explaining that his work can help destinations and businesses that are increasingly designing experiences that deliver rich experiences for guests while enhancing local livability.

“This includes creating environments that are accessible to people with disabilities, supportive of mental health, and welcoming to underrepresented and marginalized groups,” he says. “Tourism that supports equity must actively remove barriers and ensure that all people—regardless of ability, background, or identity—can participate fully and meaningfully.”