Nicola MacLeod

Dr Nicola MacLeod is a Principal Lecturer in Tourism at the University of Greenwich, serving as Departmental Head of Research and Director of the Tourism Research Centre within the Faculty of Business. She holds a PhD and dual Master's degrees in Leisure and Tourism Policy (Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh) and English Language and Literature (University of Edinburgh). With over 30 years in academia, her career includes roles at London Metropolitan University and extensive contributions to tourism education, curriculum development, and external examining. Her research focuses on literary tourism, cultural trails, visitor experiences, and responsible tourism practices.

Education Background:

• PhD (University of Greenwich)
• MA Leisure and Tourism Policy (Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, 1990)
• MA English Language and Literature (University of Edinburgh, 1998)

Research Interests:
Dr MacLeod explores intersections between literature, cultural heritage, and tourism. Key themes include:

• Literary pilgrimage and visitor engagement with writers’ homes
• Design and impact of self-guided trails on tourism spaces
• Pop culture tourism and fan-driven travel
• Sustainable practices in camping and glamping sectors
• Urban tourism dynamics in contemporary cities

Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing experiential design, spatial analysis of tourist spaces, and the role of trails in shaping cultural landscapes. She has authored over 30 publications including guides for pop culture tourism and edited conference proceedings on urban tourism challenges.

Labs/Teams:
Leads the Tourism Research Centre, fostering collaborative projects on innovative tourism strategies and cultural policy impacts.