Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review on Sustainable Tourism: Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions

Abstract

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a critical aspect of contemporary life, driven by the exponential growth of the tourism industry globally. Despite its positive contribution to GDP and job creation, tourism also raises concerns about its environmental and social sustainability. The concept of sustainable tourism gained momentum in the 1990s, shifting the focus from mass tourism to sustainable development within the industry. However, challenges persist, in response to which governments and international organizations emphasized on sustainable tourism initiatives, aiming to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of research in the field of sustainable tourism development, employing both bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review (SLR) methodologies. The study identifies influential authors, institutions, and research themes by analysing publication trends, citation patterns, and collaboration networks. By synthesizing diverse literature from various fields, the SLR offers interdisciplinary perspectives and a holistic understanding of sustainability issues in tourism. Through cross-validation with the bibliometric analysis, the study aims to provide nuanced insights into both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of scholarly contributions in sustainable tourism research.

Comprehensively, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism development, offering valuable insights for academia, industry, and policy. It aims to inform future research agendas, policy formulation, and industry practices in support of sustainable tourism initiatives by identifying research gaps, emerging trends, and best practices.