This study presents the findings of a comprehensive investigation of academic leadership in tourism research, as measured by the quantity of articles published in eight journals in the field between 1985 and 2004. Fifty-seven of the most prolific scholars have been identified as leading scholars, each of whom has published at least 11 articles in the period under study. The general profile of these scholars was further documented through a detailed examination of their educational background, institutional affiliation, multi-authorship, and gender. Based upon previous literature, this study adds more value by exploring a wider variety of journals over a longer time frame and by collecting additional relevant information.