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Bibliometric evaluation of global research on eco-tourism

Author

Listed:
  • Han Lin

    (Nanjing Audit University)

  • Yan Zhu

    (Nanjing Audit University)

  • Zhoubao Sun

    (Nanjing Audit University)

  • Pingping Wu

    (Nanjing Audit University)

  • Jinjin Zhang

    (Nanjing Audit University)

Abstract

Eco-tourism has been widely regarded as an innovative paradigm for the conservation and sustainable development and a new niche within the tourism industry. Studying eco-tourism from a bibliometric perspective can provide insights into the trends and hot issues in eco-tourism research, and eco-tourism practice, management, and academic development provide important theoretical support and practical guidance. Despite mounting concerns from academics and practitioners, the current research on eco-tourism is still fragmented. To fulfill the gaps in the current understanding of this topic, this study tries to explore and analyze global research trends and frontiers on eco-tourism in the past decades using a bibliometric approach. A total of 3982 publications with 61,148 references satisfied the search scheme. The results clearly exhibit the research evolution trajectory, including the publication outputs, geographical and periodical distribution, distribution of journal, authors, and institutions, as well as burst, co-occurrence, and co-citation analysis. The findings roundly reveal topic hot spots, novel ideas, and sustainable development trends of eco-tourism in a global context which presents an opportunity to grasp the march of knowledge and show the ways for the future development.

Suggested Citation

  • Han Lin & Yan Zhu & Zhoubao Sun & Pingping Wu & Jinjin Zhang, 2025. "Bibliometric evaluation of global research on eco-tourism," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 6103-6122, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04119-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04119-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carlisle, Sheena & Kunc, Martin & Jones, Eleri & Tiffin, Scott, 2013. "Supporting innovation for tourism development through multi-stakeholder approaches: Experiences from Africa," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 59-69.
    2. Osman, Taher & Shaw, David & Kenawy, Emad, 2018. "Examining the extent to which stakeholder collaboration during ecotourism planning processes could be applied within an Egyptian context," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 126-137.
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    6. Weaver, David & Tang, Chuanzhong & Zhao, Yanzhi, 2020. "Facilitating sustainable tourism by endogenization: China as exemplar," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
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    8. Techera, Erika J. & Klein, Natalie, 2013. "The role of law in shark-based eco-tourism: Lessons from Australia," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 21-28.
    9. Ma, Ben & Cai, Zhen & Zheng, Jie & Wen, Yali, 2019. "Conservation, ecotourism, poverty, and income inequality – A case study of nature reserves in Qinling, China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 236-244.
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