UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where he serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.
The UN Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honor. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. In this case, Professor Dwyer has been recognized for his career-long achievements in the field of tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness and sustainable tourism development, as well as his commitment to sharing knowledge outside of the sector itself.
Receiving the award, Professor Dwyer observed that, while the wellbeing outcomes of industrial development are being emphasized by social scientists, tourism analysis and policy continues to focus more narrowly on the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism development. The Ulysses Prize Laureate also emphasized that tourism policies and programs should look beyond narrow, efficiency-driven economic indicators, to employ wellbeing measures to better gauge progress in tourism sustainable development
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Academia joins UN Tourism in recognizing excellence
The Award was presented at a ceremony attended by academic staff from the University of Technology Sydney and other universities, as well as by policymakers and industry stakeholders both from across Australia and Sydney.
Through his research, Larry has embodied the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – showing how evidence-based research can promote inclusive and sustainable growth. This recognition also shines a light on Australia’s leadership in tourism research, and on the important role of universities in addressing global challenges. Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney
Professor Dwyer’s focus on the wider social and economic impacts of the sector reflects UN Tourism’s mission and key priorities.
UN Tourism Director of External Relations, Beka Jakeli, highlighted the global challenges facing the sector, including climate change as an existential threat, political unrest, macroeconomic fluctuations, and rapid shifts in supplier operations and consumer behaviour. It is time to rethink traditional partnerships and build an effective and innovative Public–Private–Academia partnership model to guide evidence-based decision-making grounded in research findings for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector,
he said.
Recognizing leadership and exploration
With 17 editions celebrated to date, the Ulysses Award symbolizes intellectual exploration and leadership, as exemplified by the legendary traveler it is named after. Recipients are typically distinguished scholars, whose work bridges theory and practice, influencing policy, governance, and industry strategies globally.
The prize aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, reinforcing tourism’s role as a force for positive change.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialised agency, is the leading international organisation with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 166 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members from the private sector.
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