T.V. Singh occupies a unique place in the field of tourism studies. Himself an accomplished researcher and author, he is the founder, editor and long-time publisher of Tourism Recreation Research (TRR) , which under his guidance became the pre-eminent Asian journal in the field. TRR , which is approaching its 40th anniversary, is exceptional among major tourism journals, in that it was, until recently, published by Tej Vir's own Centre, which made him bear the economic responsibilities for its survival, in addition to the burden of its editorship. His success is to no small extent due to the close ties that he developed over time with his leading authors, whom he frequently asks, and sometimes pressures, to take part in the various projects that he initiates.

Perhaps the most important of these projects is the pioneering idea of Research Probes , a Department of TRR in which leading experts discuss fundamental, often controversial, issues in the field of tourism studies. This unique format has no peer in any of the leading journals in the field of tourism studies. Tej Vir makes a careful and systematic effort to choose the themes of such probes, as he makes clear in his introduction to the present volume. He consults with colleagues on possible themes, but then decides himself on the ones to be probed. He then asks one of the recognized experts to prepare a leading paper on the theme, and several others to discuss it, while the author is given a chance to respond to their comments. The result is a lively discussion, a welcome alternative to the anonymous, formal and secret 'refereeing process' to which submissions to scientific journals are usually subjected.