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Sustainable Development Through Agritourism and Rural Tourism: Research Trends and Future Perspectives in the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period

Author

Listed:
  • Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania)

  • Carmen-Mihaela Crețu

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania)

  • Rodica Pripoaie

    (Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania)

  • Emanuel Ștefan Marinescu

    (Faculty of Communications and International Relations, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania)

  • Carmen-Gabriela Sîrbu

    (Cross-Border Faculty, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania)

  • Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania)

Abstract

In the current global context, where rural sustainability and economic diversification of agricultural regions are becoming increasingly important, rural tourism and agritourism are emerging as key strategies for sustainable development. This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis of research trends in rural tourism and agritourism during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods (2020–2024) by identifying dominant themes, relevant scientific contributors, and emerging directions related to sustainability and post-COVID-19 transformations. To carry out this analysis, 1915 papers indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database were selected. Using VOSviewer software, co-citation networks, keyword co-occurrence, and international collaboration were generated and analyzed to identify thematic clusters and main research directions. The results highlight an increasing scientific interest in sustainable tourism models that integrate digitization, circular economy principles, and authentic rural experiences. The most frequently identified terms include ‘rural tourism’, ‘agritourism’, ‘sustainability’, and ‘COVID-19’, reflecting the field’s adaptation to recent global challenges. This study identifies major contributors (China, Italy, Spain, USA, Romania), key institutions, and gaps in the literature. Additionally, future research directions and practical implications are proposed for policymakers, rural entrepreneurs, and tourism promotion organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu & Carmen-Mihaela Crețu & Rodica Pripoaie & Emanuel Ștefan Marinescu & Carmen-Gabriela Sîrbu & Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir, 2025. "Sustainable Development Through Agritourism and Rural Tourism: Research Trends and Future Perspectives in the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-30, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3998-:d:1645436
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hui Zhu & Fumin Deng, 2020. "How to Influence Rural Tourism Intention by Risk Knowledge during COVID-19 Containment in China: Mediating Role of Risk Perception and Attitude," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-23, May.
    2. Gorka Zamarreño-Aramendia & Elena Cruz-Ruiz & Elena Ruiz-Romero de la Cruz, 2021. "Sustainable Economy and Development of the Rural Territory: Proposal of Wine Tourism Itineraries in La Axarquía of Malaga (Spain)," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-21, March.
    3. Nevena Ćurčić & Andrijana Mirković Svitlica & Jovana Brankov & Željko Bjeljac & Sanja Pavlović & Bojana Jandžiković, 2021. "The Role of Rural Tourism in Strengthening the Sustainability of Rural Areas: The Case of Zlakusa Village," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Antonietta Ivona, 2021. "Sustainability of Rural Tourism and Promotion of Local Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-7, August.
    5. Bernard Lane & Elisabeth Kastenholz & Maria João Carneiro, 2022. "Rural Tourism and Sustainability: A Special Issue, Review and Update for the Opening Years of the Twenty-First Century," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, May.
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