UN Tourism honours Professor Larry Dwyer with the Ulysses Prize

 

UN Tourism has awarded the prestigious Ulysses Prize to Professor Larry Dwyer, recognising his exceptional contribution to global tourism knowledge, policy and sustainable development. The award was presented during a ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where Professor Dwyer serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.

The Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honour, granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to tourism research and the dissemination of knowledge. Professor Dwyer was recognised for his extensive work in tourism economics, destination competitiveness, and sustainability, as well as his commitment to sharing insights beyond the tourism sector.

In accepting the award, Professor Dwyer stressed the importance of broadening how tourism success is measured. He noted that while other sectors increasingly focus on wellbeing outcomes, tourism policy often remains centred on economic, social and environmental impacts alone. He highlighted the need for a more holistic framework, stating: “Tourism policies and programs should look beyond narrow, efficiency-driven economic indicators, to employ wellbeing measures to better gauge progress in tourism sustainable development.”

Academic recognition and sector-wide relevance

The ceremony gathered academic leaders from the University of Technology Sydney and other institutions, alongside policymakers and industry representatives from Sydney and across Australia.

Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney, praised the relevance of Professor Dwyer’s work, saying: “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.”

UN Tourism highlighted that Professor Dwyer’s approach aligns with the organisation’s strategic priorities, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility and rapidly changing consumer behaviour.

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UN Tourism’s Director of External Relations, Beka Jakeli, underlined the importance of new forms of cooperation, noting: “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.”

A symbol of leadership and exploration

Now in its 17th edition, the Ulysses Award celebrates intellectual leadership and the spirit of exploration inspired by the legendary traveller after whom it is named. Recipients are distinguished scholars whose work bridges theory and practice and shapes tourism policy, governance and industry strategies globally.

The award reinforces the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, reflecting the belief that tourism research and innovation play a central role in building a more sustainable and inclusive sector.