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Community-led sustainable tourism research (1993–2023): A bibliometric analysis of themes, knowledge structures, and global trends

Author

Listed:
  • Shivam Samyal
  • Anil Kumar

Abstract

The travel industry is increasingly emphasizing sustainable practices, with community-led sustainable tourism (CLST) emerging as a critical approach. This study investigates the organizational framework and intellectual structure of CLST research through a bibliometric analysis. Records were retrieved from Scopus, covering works published between 1993 and 2023. VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to map the literature, examining leading authors, journals, citation patterns, and country-level contributions. The results reveal a marked increase in publications after 2013 and highlight co-citation networks, keyword co-occurrence, and geographic trends. The study identifies four thematic clusters: economic drivers and local benefits, governance and participation models, challenges and limitations, and theoretical frameworks. It also highlights underexplored areas, including digital empowerment, Indigenous governance, and post-disaster resilience. By systematically mapping these patterns and gaps, the study provides a structured agenda to advance theoretical debates, inform participatory practice, and guide future sustainable tourism policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Shivam Samyal & Anil Kumar, 2026. "Community-led sustainable tourism research (1993–2023): A bibliometric analysis of themes, knowledge structures, and global trends," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(5), pages 833-859, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:comdev:v:57:y:2026:i:5:p:833-859
    DOI: 10.1080/15575330.2026.2661179
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