UN Tourism has awarded the Ulysses Prize to Larry Dwyer, recognising his long-standing contributions to tourism research, policy development, and knowledge dissemination. The award was presented at a ceremony held at the University of Technology Sydney, where Professor Dwyer serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.
The Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic distinction and honours individuals whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of tourism and its role in economic and societal development. Professor Dwyer was recognised for his career-long research in tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness, and sustainable tourism development, as well as for his efforts to extend academic knowledge beyond the tourism sector.
During the ceremony, Professor Dwyer highlighted the need for tourism policy to adopt broader measures of progress. He noted that while social scientists increasingly emphasise wellbeing outcomes in industrial development, tourism analysis continues to prioritise economic, social, and environmental indicators. He stated that tourism policies and programmes should incorporate wellbeing measures to better assess progress in sustainable tourism development.
The event was attended by academic representatives from universities in Australia, alongside policymakers and industry stakeholders. Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney, said the recognition reflects the role of evidence-based research in supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.
UN Tourism Director of External Relations Beka Jakeli noted that global challenges such as climate change, political instability, and shifting market conditions underscore the need for stronger collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors.
Now in its 17th edition, the Ulysses Prize recognises academic leadership that bridges research and practice in support of sustainable tourism development.
