Search results

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of sustainable tourism research published in Scopus-indexed journals covering the period from 1997 to 2021. Articles published during these 25 years were subjected to science mapping and performance analysis to propose potential areas for future research.

A bibliometric analysis using performance analysis and science mapping was conducted on 1,754 research papers retrieved from the Scopus database using the keyword “sustainable tourism.” Biblioshiny and VOSviewer are commonly used bibliometric tools. Science mapping techniques use coauthorship, keyword co-occurrence and co-citation analyses.

This study revealed the sustainable tourism publications’ spatial and temporal patterns, indicating a yearly growth rate of 19.9% during a 25-year period. The study identified Stefan Gossling as the most influential author, the “Journal of Sustainable Tourism” as the leading journal and Australia as the most productive country in sustainable tourism literature. The study used co-citation analysis to identify five thematic clusters, namely, reconceptualization and criticism, the role of residents, eco-labeling and the role of stakeholders, community-based tourism and the shift toward establishing sustainability indicators and effective governance and policymaking. The coauthorship analysis identifies the most influential author in collaborative efforts, and the most common pattern of collaboration is between researchers from different institutions in the same country, such as China and the Philippines, followed by collaborations between authors from other countries. The keyword co-occurrence analysis uncovered keywords that aligned with theme clusters generated from the co-citation analysis.

This study comprehensively uncovers five thematic clusters that have never been extracted so far in the literature. Also, it attempts to fill the gaps related to sustainable tourism by suggesting directions for future research.

The 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) brought together over 70,000 delegates to address climate change, carbon emissions reduction, and sustainable development. The tourism industry, contributing 8% of global carbon emissions, poses significant environmental challenges. The surge in tourism post-COVID restrictions and aviation emissions doubling by 2050 exacerbate concerns. Literature indicates a complex relationship between tourism, economic growth, and environmental impact. Utilizing the STIRPAT model, our study examines sustainable tourism intensity across G20 countries. The analysis reveals positive correlations between tourist arrivals, energy consumption, urbanization, and carbon emissions. Integrating AI, our research explores predictive modeling, smart energy management, and personalized recommendations to mitigate carbon emissions. We call for concerted action to leverage AI for greener, more sustainable tourism practices, advocating for a shared vision of tourism that safeguards the planet while enriching traveler experiences.

This chapter explores the present state of the worldwide tourism sector and its complex phenomenological interconnection with climate change. This analysis emphasizes the significant environmental consequences resulting from the rise of tourism, which can be attributed to the exponential growth facilitated by enhanced connectivity and the concurrent increase in disposable incomes. It thoroughly analyses the primary factors that contribute to the environmental impact of the sector, which encompasses emissions from transportation, infrastructure development, waste generation, and resource usage. Furthermore, this analysis sheds light on the obstacles encountered in the process of shifting toward sustainability, including limited knowledge and understanding, deficiencies in policy implementation, and reluctance to embrace transformation within the sector. However, it also provides insights into numerous activities and solutions currently in progress to alleviate the environmental impact of the industry. The aforementioned approaches encompass the implementation of sustainable tourism practices, legislation revisions, and advancements in technology. This chapter concludes by highlighting the imperative need for a collaborative initiative including governmental bodies, industrial participants, and tourists to establish a harmonious equilibrium between the pursuit of economic expansion and the protection of the environment. The future trajectory of global tourism is contingent upon the adoption of sustainable practices, which are crucial for fostering a healthy coexistence between the tourism industry and the environment.

Sustainability entails promoting social development and meeting current needs without jeopardizing future life on Earth. It encompasses responsible resource stewardship and a consideration of environmental, social, and economic impacts. Sustainable tourism, as defined by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), addresses these impacts and balances economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental preservation. Despite the tourism industry’s growth, its carbon-intensive nature significantly contributes to climate change, necessitating the adoption of sustainable practices. The global carbon footprint from tourism has risen, projecting to reach 6.5 GtCO₂e by 2025, further stressing the environment. Sustainable tourism aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 and SDG 12, which emphasize inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and responsible consumption and production patterns. Technological advancements, such as AI and the Internet of Things, offer innovative data-driven solutions that not only revolutionize the tourism ecosystem but also mitigate its environmental impact. These technologies can help monitor and manage resource use in real time, promote renewable energy, and facilitate eco-friendly tourism practices. Embracing Industry 5.0, which integrates human capabilities with intelligent machines, the tourism sector can achieve human-centric, resilient, and sustainable growth. Future research should explore technology’s role in sustainable tourism, focusing on its environmental benefits and alignment with sustainability goals.

Tourist policies and businesses today are not far beyond the effect of climate change. Worldwide, tourist demand, and popular locations have been hit hard by an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, droughts, storms, and wildfires. Significant tourist attractions are also impacted by climate change. Sea level rise and ocean warming endanger resources like beaches and coral reefs, while snowfall has become less predictable in many winter locations. The expense of travel is also expected to rise due to climate change. The tourism is contributing to the carbon emissions and increasing hazards to the environment. What these trends have in common is their potential to alter the face of tourism throughout the world. Research on the topic of climate change and tourism has been around for a while, but this paper lays out the field’s evolution, outlines recent trends, and discusses the impact of climate change on tourism.

The significance of event tourism in destination development underscores the importance of assessing the quality of events and their sustainability for competitiveness. This study investigates tourists’ perceptions of service quality and sustainability at the “Biggest São João in the World” event in 2023. Employing a quantitative approach, we conducted field research using questionnaires based on the Tourqual model, integrating sustainability indicators to address environmental impacts associated with such events. Data collection took place between June and July 2023, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 709 visitors. Descriptive statistics were applied to the 2022 survey data (397 respondents), on the 2023 data (709 respondents). Results reveal that the event’s diverse activities received the highest average rating at 4.03, while the use of sustainable transport during the event garnered the lowest rating at 1.93. This emphasizes the need for event organizers to implement continuous improvement plans, focusing particularly on areas with critical evaluations to enhance visitor satisfaction. This study’s originality and innovative approach contribute valuable insights for event managers and researchers and promote both local development and environmental awareness.

This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the role that sustainable tourism plays in fostering a more environmentally and economically sustainable global economy. It delves into the advantages, disadvantages, and potential of sustainable tourism, emphasizing environmental conservation, societal inclusion, and economic progress. The shift towards sustainable tourism underscores the importance of minimizing negative impacts while maximizing positive outcomes for the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. It underscores the necessity of balancing economic development, environmental preservation, and social well-being. Sustainable tourism encourages environmentally friendly practices, promotes renewable energy, and supports local businesses, thereby driving both environmental protection and economic growth. Challenges and opportunities are identified, necessitating innovative solutions for a sustainable tourism model. Effective policies and collaboration among stakeholders can address issues like excessive tourism impacts and ensure equitable distribution of benefits to local populations. Technology and community involvement play crucial roles in fostering sustainability and responsible travel. The chapter emphasizes energy efficiency, waste management, and transportation enhancements, while recognizing digital platforms’ role in promoting informed travel decisions. Future trends focus on climate adaptation, responsible tourism, and circular economies. Thus, a triple bottom-line approach integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations, alongside resource management, technology, community engagement, and cultural preservation, emerges as essential for advancing sustainable tourism practices.

The thriving global tourism industry is a pivotal player in the global economy. It significantly contributes to a substantial carbon footprint through emissions from transportation, lodging, and infrastructure. In this study we have conducted a critical analysis of carbon emissions within the tourism industry using previous academic literature and institutional databases. Addressing the importance of measuring carbon footprints, the study delves into the definition of the carbon footprint in this sector, emphasizing the urgent need to comprehend and address its effects. This investigation also centers on the aspect of transportation, which is contributing to carbon emissions in the tourism industry. It explores variations based on transportation modes and discusses mitigation strategies, such as green transit. It also concentrates on accommodation, scrutinizing its environmental impact by evaluating carbon emissions from energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation in hotels and resorts. Emphasis is placed on promoting sustainable and green lodging facilities. Furthermore, this study examines the environmental impact of the tourism industry. Specifically, it examines the carbon footprint associated with infrastructure development. The analysis includes the impact of construction and development, resource consumption, and the role of communities and stakeholders in sustainable tourism planning. Furthermore, an assessment is conducted to examine the obstacles associated with adopting sustainable practices and assess the effectiveness of implemented mitigation strategies within the tourism industry. The concluding section outlines future perspectives and recommendations for research.

The Ladakh region stands at a crossroads when it comes to sustainability, grappling with the repercussions of mass tourism and an oversight of carrying capacity in its development. This has triggered apprehensions among policymakers, residents, and visitors alike. While Ladakh boasts tourism potential, there is a growing acknowledgment that the trajectory of tourism development must shift towards sustainability. Encouragingly, certain Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) states offer promising examples in waste management, visitor flow control, limitations on pilgrim numbers, and the promotion of community-based tourism. However, these positive instances often remain confined to specific contexts and lack broader scalability. Addressing the concerns and risks associated with tourism development in Ladakh necessitates a multifaceted approach. Priorities include minimising the adverse impacts on communities and the environment, maximising tourism’s positive contributions to local economies, and emphasising the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Furthermore, there is a call to harness opportunities and adopt innovative measures to steer tourism onto a sustainable path. The government has taken various policy measures to promote sustainable tourism in Ladakh along with launching awareness campaigns, organising international events and rebranding of Ladakh as an eco-tourism destination. In essence, Ladakh’s challenge lies in transforming its tourism landscape into a model that not only reaps economic benefits but also safeguards its ecological and cultural treasures, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between hosts and visitors.