Leadership in Tourism

This chapter proposes to discuss the application of authentic leadership as the ‘vehicle' forward for tourism. Specifically, how authentic leaders in the tourism industry can help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why they are important to the Tasmanian tourism industry. As such, the authors propose the research question: How can authentic leadership enable the sustainable development of tourism in Tasmania? This chapter commences by exploring tourism in Tasmania and the related leadership gap found in the industry, followed by a brief explanation of our critical review method. The literature review then examines how tourism, a diverse industry, has the potential to contribute to the United Nation's SDGs. The authors aim to demonstrate how sound authentic leadership behaviours among tourist vendors facilitate ethical employment practices and economic growth in Tasmania. Finally, the chapter explores the possible implications of a synthesis of authentic leadership and sustainable development in the context of Tasmania.