This paper critiques the literature on sustainable tourism, highlighting six key issues that are often overlooked: the role of tourism demand, the nature of tourism resources, intra-generational equity, the role of tourism in promoting sociocultural progress, the measurement of sustainability, and forms of sustainable development. The author argues that a systems perspective and an interdisciplinary approach are essential for advancing research on sustainable tourism to a more scientific level. The paper emphasizes the need for a balanced view of sustainability, practical policies, and a holistic understanding of tourism's interactions with the environment and society. It concludes by advocating for a more coherent and interdisciplinary approach to sustainable tourism research.This paper critiques the literature on sustainable tourism, highlighting six key issues that are often overlooked: the role of tourism demand, the nature of tourism resources, intra-generational equity, the role of tourism in promoting sociocultural progress, the measurement of sustainability, and forms of sustainable development. The author argues that a systems perspective and an interdisciplinary approach are essential for advancing research on sustainable tourism to a more scientific level. The paper emphasizes the need for a balanced view of sustainability, practical policies, and a holistic understanding of tourism's interactions with the environment and society. It concludes by advocating for a more coherent and interdisciplinary approach to sustainable tourism research.