The United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has awarded Professor Larry Dwyer the 2025 Ulysses Prize, the most prestigious academic honor in the global tourism sector. This award recognizes Professor Dwyer’s exceptional contributions to tourism knowledge, policy development, and sustainable industry practices that have shaped the future of tourism worldwide.

The Ulysses Prize celebrates individuals whose scholarly work and practical influence have profoundly advanced the understanding and development of tourism. Since its inception, the prize has highlighted visionary academics whose research bridges rigorous theory and real-world impact. This year’s recipient, Professor Dwyer, stands out as a transformative figure whose extensive research portfolio and leadership continue to influence governments, industry leaders, and academic institutions globally.

A comprehensive and transparent selection process ensured the prize was awarded to the most deserving candidate. Overseen by a Coordinating Committee comprising three previous Ulysses Prize Laureates alongside UN Tourism’s Director of External Relations, the evaluation involved an invitation to all former winners to nominate and assess candidates. Each nomination was measured against eleven rigorous criteria, including originality and excellence in academic work, groundbreaking knowledge contributions, a sustained record of innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability, as well as leadership in education and professional practice.

Professor Larry Dwyer achieved the highest evaluation scores, earning the unanimous recommendation for the award. His scholarly output is staggering, with over three hundred fifty publications spanning peer-reviewed journals, influential books, and comprehensive reports. His research areas cover tourism economics, destination competitiveness, special events, and sustainable development, reflecting both technical mastery and practical relevance.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Dwyer has held prestigious academic positions, including the renowned Qantas Professorship of Travel and Tourism Economics. He has also served as president of prominent international organizations such as the International Academy for the Study of Tourism and the International Association for Tourism Economics. His commitment to advancing tourism knowledge is further demonstrated by his editorial involvement with thirty leading academic journals, guiding the discourse of tourism scholarship worldwide.

Professor Dwyer’s influence extends well beyond academia. He has consistently engaged with the tourism industry at international, national, and regional levels, providing expert advice to key organizations such as UN Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Taxation Policy Task Force, and the BEST Education Network. His involvement with various Australian tourism boards highlights his dedication to fostering sustainable tourism practices within both public and private sectors.

A passionate educator, Professor Dwyer has played an instrumental role in developing tourism courses and MBA programs in Australia, while also teaching in universities across eight other countries. His widely used textbook, Tourism Economics and Policy, co-authored with fellow experts, is regarded as an essential resource for students and practitioners alike. His leadership in curriculum innovation also extends to his work with the BEST Education Network, which designs educational modules focused on sustainable tourism development.

In recent years, Professor Dwyer’s research has pioneered new approaches to integrating resident perspectives and community well-being into tourism destination policies. His work promotes a more holistic understanding of tourism’s social impacts and has influenced policy frameworks aimed at balancing economic growth with social sustainability. This focus on inclusiveness and sustainability has resonated deeply with the global tourism community, contributing to more responsible and equitable destination management.

Professor Dwyer’s career exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence with real-world application. His scholarly rigor, combined with his dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability, positions him as a global leader in tourism research and policy development. The Ulysses Prize acknowledges not only his remarkable body of work but also his lasting influence on shaping tourism’s future.

The 17th UN Tourism Ulysses Prize will be formally presented to Professor Larry Dwyer at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, scheduled for November 7th to 11th, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event will bring together global tourism leaders to celebrate outstanding achievements and discuss future directions for the sector.

Professor Dwyer’s recognition by UN Tourism underscores the vital role of academic research in driving sustainable innovation and competitiveness in the tourism industry. His career serves as an inspiring example of how knowledge creation, education, and practical engagement can collectively advance global tourism towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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