How Has Community‐Based Tourism Evolved Over Three Decades (1995–2025): A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review on Evolution and Future Research Directions

This study examines the development of community‐based tourism as a sustainable model for community empowerment, economic growth, and cultural preservation over the past three decades. Using a dual‐method approach, the study combines bibliometric analysis (n = 847 documents) with a systematic literature review (n = 69 documents), drawing from Scopus and Web of Science. Guided by the PRISMA framework, the analysis reveals a notable surge in CBT research since 2015, particularly in developing regions, reflecting its increasing significance in global tourism discourse. Co‐occurrence and keyword analyses identified a dominant research cluster around community participation, empowerment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainability. The study also uncovers theoretical fragmentation, with many studies lacking integrative conceptual frameworks, and geographical imbalances, with underrepresentation of regions such as Eastern Europe and Indigenous North America. To address these gaps, this paper proposes a structural framework synthesizing key theoretical streams (e.g., social capital, stakeholder theory, common‐pool resources, design thinking), contextual domains, and methodological trends in CBT research. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary, regionally diverse, and mixed‐methods studies to assess empowerment outcomes, socio‐economic impacts, and evolving governance models. Finally, the study offers practical recommendations for CBT practitioners and policymakers, including inclusive governance models, income diversification strategies, and digital tools for local empowerment and resilience.