Special Issues & Guest Editors

Overview

The JTSW is an international journal mainly composed of special issues published in open access. For special issues, in addition to the Editor-in-Chief, each number has, at least, one Guest-Editor.

A special issue is a collection of papers focusing on a specific and timely topic of research that falls within the scope of the JTSW and has a general appeal to its readers. Guest editing a special issue is a great way to develop and strengthen the network of Guest-Editors and have a long-lasting impact on the advancement of theoretical and practical perspectives on the phenomena they are studying.

A special issue should include at least four papers within the suggested topic.

Submission of a proposal of a Special Issue

In addition to the name, email address, and professional affiliation of the Guest-Editor, the proposal must include the following:

  • A subtitle for the Special Issue;
  • Ideally, a table of contents along with a preliminary list of potential authors; the minimum expected is a list of specific research topics;
  • An explanation of how the proposed Special Issue will contribute to the specific body of knowledge;
  • A short biographical note of the Guest-Editor(s);
  • A realistic timeline, including a deadline for paper submission of the proposed issue and for completing the review process,
  • A list of marketing communication activities to promote the Special Issue prior and after publication.

If the proposal is accepted, the Guest-Editor will sign a specific agreement.

The Guest-Editor must submit the Special Issue proposal at least six months before the proposed publication date. Each proposal will be evaluated by the Editorial Board prior to acceptance. If accepted, the publication date will be determined, considering other existing proposals.

Preparation of a Special Issue

The Guest-Editor is responsible for developing a call for papers to invite submissions for the Special Issue. This call has to describe the topic of the Special Issue and the submission process, and should state the deadlines. A call for papers on the proposed topic will be disseminated to the scientific community by the JTSW, which means that researchers from all over the world can submit a paper to be published in each Special Issue. Additionally, the Guest-Editor may also invite authors directly to submit their papers to be considered for publication.

Regarding the edition contents, all manuscripts must be written in English and proofread accordingly. Authors must ensure that each paper follows the existing editorial norms as specified in the Author Guidelines.

Guest-Editors can only publish one paper in the special issue.

Overview of the review process

Special issue paper submissions are held to the same standards as any other submission to the JTSW, including a double-blind review process that includes at least two reviewers per paper. We strive to include at least one board member as a reviewer for each paper. Together with the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors, the Guest-Editor will propose a list of editorial board members and agreed ad-hoc reviewers he/she would like to invite to review the papers to be included in the special issue. The Guest-Editor will not be included as a reviewer.

All papers will be subjected to a double-blind review process. Submitted papers will be assessed at a desk review stage, conducted by the Guest-Editor, to determine their suitability for being sent to reviewers. Based on the reviewers and Guest-Editor’s recommendations, the final decision will be made by Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors.

Dissemination of a Special Issue

It is crucial that the Guest-Editor engage the academic community and promote his/her Special Issue. In so doing, the Guest-Editor has to carry out the activities described in the proposal and execute relevant marketing communications and social media activities before, during, and after the Special Issue publication.

The Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs) has the responsibility to disseminate each new edition officially. Seminars on the topic are very welcome to be lectured at the University of Algarve or at any other institution interested in joining the broadcasting process.