Prof Marina Novelli

Professor Marina Novelli (PhD) is a globally renowned Tourism and International Development expert and Professor of Tourism and International Development at the University of Brighton (UK).

Her contribution to the study of tourism is associated with the empirically grounded studies on Tourism for Sustainable Development, the concept of Niche Tourism and most recently with elaboration of the Overtourism phenomenon. She distinguishes herself for her inclusive leadership practice and excellence in collaborating with multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholders and multi-cultural teams making her a preferred research partner and a particularly active member of the global tourism community.

With a background in economics and a keen interest in international development, she has written and advised extensively in the field of international tourism policy, planning, development and management in Africa, Europe and Asia for institutions such as the World Bank, the EU, UNESCO, UNIDO, the UNWTO, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, National Ministries and Tourism Boards, Regional Development Agencies, private sector and NGOs.

Her global reputation is reflected in numerous external appointments, such as her nominations as Alternate Member of the UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics (2021-2025) and her
work has demonstrated to have considerable impact on the sector with implications far beyond tourism, by contributing to more effective economic growth, improved environments and more inclusive societies. She is committed to generating new knowledge on ways in which tourism can play a key role in sustainable development by stimulating local economies, conserving the environment, developing people and changing lives.