United Nations Tourism Organization Announces Dr. Larry Dwyer as Recipient of the 2025 Ulysses Award
The Ulysses Prize, the UN's highest academic honor in tourism, has been conferred upon Professor Larry Dwyer for his significant contributions to the sector. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have advanced tourism understanding and development through knowledge creation and practical application.
As a scholar of note in tourism economics, policy, and sustainable development, Dwyer's work bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing governments and industry leaders with valuable tools for innovative and sustainable tourism strategies.
The selection process for the Ulysses Prize is meticulous, ensuring academic rigor, transparency, and impartiality. A committee of three previous Ulysses Prize Laureates, along with the UN Tourism Director of External Relations, oversaw the entire process and invited previous Laureates to nominate and evaluate candidates for the 2025 award.
Candidates were evaluated based on 11 criteria, including academic prowess, innovative breakthroughs, practical applications, ongoing scholarly output, teaching contributions, academic and professional leadership, encouragement of new ideas, industry practice contributions, a record of achievements, and contributions to UN Tourism. Dwyer secured the highest score and was recommended for final approval by the UN Tourism Secretary-General.
A prolific researcher, Dwyer has published over 350 works in refereed journals, books, and reports, significantly impacting the field. He is a member of the editorial boards of thirty leading academic journals and holds distinguished professorships at several universities.
Dwyer is also a leader in tourism education, developing university courses and MBA programs in Australia and teaching in eight other countries. He is a renowned author, with his textbook, "Tourism Economics and Policy," considered a leading work in the field.
Recently, Dwyer's research has focused on integrating resident viewpoints and well-being into tourism destination policy and development, shaping the discourse on tourism sustainability and policy. His exceptional achievements and contributions to governmental, industry, and professional practice make him an exemplary leader in the field.
The 17th UN Tourism Ulysses Prize will be presented to Dwyer during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7-11, 2025.
[1] UN Tourism Ulysses Prize for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge - Download as PDF
- Professor Larry Dwyer's substantial contributions to tourism policy, economics, and sustainable development have earned him the UN's highest academic honor, the Ulysses Prize.
- The 2025 Ulysses Prize was conferred upon Dwyer, recognizing his work bridging the gap between tourism theory and practice, providing valuable tools for innovative and sustainable tourism strategies.
- Dwyer's scholarly expertise extended to education and self-development, as he developed university courses and MBA programs in multiple countries, authoring the leading textbook, "Tourism Economics and Policy."
- Dwyer's research has been instrumental in the integration of resident viewpoints and well-being into tourism destination policy and development, contributing significantly to the discourse on tourism sustainability and policy.
- The Ulysses Prize selection process emphasizes academics, practical applications, leadership, and contributions to the UN Tourism organization, with Dwyer securing the highest score and receiving final approval from the UN Tourism Secretary-General.
- Dwyer has demonstrated his exceptional achievements in governmental, industry, and professional practice, making him an exemplary leader in education, sustainability, and personal growth, fostering overall development in the realm of travel and tourism.
