For Authors

Guidelines and resources for submitting your research to CACTUS Journal

Submission Process

A transparent path that mirrors our internal workflow statuses

1
Pre-submission

Prepare Your Manuscript

Follow our author guidelines, template, and citation rules before creating a draft.

2
DRAFT → SUBMITTED

Submit & Lock Draft

Upload the manuscript and required files. The system validates completeness before moving the draft to SUBMITTED.

3
SUBMITTED → EIC VERIFICATION

EIC Verification

The Editor-in-Chief confirms scope, ethics, and formatting compliance prior to editor assignment.

4
EIC VERIFICATION → EDITOR ASSIGNED

Handling Editor Assigned

A handling editor is appointed, resolves outstanding questions, and prepares the file for review.

5
UNDER REVIEW

Double-Blind Peer Review

At least two independent reviewers evaluate the work (typically 4–6 weeks) while identities remain concealed.

6
REVISIONS REQUESTED

Author Revisions

You may receive minor or major revision requests. Each resubmission creates a new version tracked in the system.

7
ACCEPTED PENDING PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism Screening

Positive reviewer recommendations trigger a similarity check before final acceptance.

8
SCHEDULED FOR VOLUME → PUBLISHED

Scheduling & Publication

Accepted articles are scheduled into an upcoming volume and published open access—no APCs.

Biannual

Published June & December

No Fees

No submission or publication charges

4-6 Weeks

Peer review timeline

2 Reviewers

Minimum independent reviewers assigned

Types of Papers

Research Papers

Describe new and carefully confirmed findings with sufficient detail for verification. Minimum length required to describe and interpret work clearly. Subject to peer review.

Recommended: 4,000-8,000 words

Reviews

Comprehensive reviews and perspectives covering topics of current interest. Should provide an up-to-date overview of research practices and approaches. Subject to peer review.

Industry Viewpoint

500-1,500 words presenting ideas and suggestions by practitioners (tourism professionals, planners, policymakers). Not subject to blind peer review; Editorial Board decision.

Author Guidelines

Please ensure your submission follows these formatting requirements

General Requirements

  • Manuscripts must be original research never published or submitted elsewhere
  • Papers presented at conferences welcome if not published in full
  • Recommended length: 4,000-8,000 words (no strict restrictions)
  • Use APA referencing style (mandatory to include DOI when available)
  • Abstract: 100-250 words
  • Keywords: 3-5 keywords in decreasing order of importance
  • JEL Classification: Minimum 2 JEL codes required

Manuscript Structure

Title: Clear, accurate, with searchable keywords

Abstract: Objectives, methodology, results, conclusions

Keywords: 3-5 words/phrases, consistent with title

JEL Classification: Minimum 2 codes

Introduction: Context, literature summary, aim of work

Paper Body: Clear structure, logical sequence

Methodology: Detailed description

Results: Clearly stated findings

Conclusions: Synthesis of main contributions

References: APA style with DOI when available

Formatting Requirements

Title: Times New Roman 14pt, bold, uppercase, centered

Body text: Times New Roman 11pt, single spaced

Abstract: Times New Roman 10pt, italic, justify

Tables/Figures: Max one page each, TNR 11pt bold heading

Language: British or American English

File format: Microsoft Word (.docx)

⚠️ Articles that do not conform with the template requirements will be rejected outright, without being sent to peer review.

Submission Requirements

Manuscript using journal template

Formatted according to guidelines

Declaration of Originality

Duly completed and signed

Email submission

Send to: cactus.journal@ase.ro

Important Information

Publication Policy

An author may sign no more than one article in two consecutive issues.

Review Timeline

After submission, articles undergo eligibility verification. Eligible manuscripts proceed to double-blind peer review (typically 4-6 weeks from reviewer invitation).

Open Access

CACTUS is a fully open access journal. There are no submission fees or article processing charges (APCs). All articles are licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

⚠️ Preprint Policy

CACTUS does not accept manuscripts previously published as preprints on public platforms. Submissions must not be available online on scientific content sharing platforms.