Intellectual influence of smart tourism destinations 2000-2023

Abstract

Purpose - This paper conducts a meticulous bibliometric analysis of 659 documents indexed in the Web of Science database, exploring the intellectual evolution of Smart Tourism Destinations (STD) and contributing to understanding the evolution of scientific literature on STD until December 2023, guiding future explorations in this dynamic and evolving field. Methodology/Design/Approach - By unifying the conceptual structure and highlighting key descriptive elements with the application of statistical methods, this research provides insights into the intellectual fabric of STD research. Findings - Our findings show the evolution of the conceptual structure, influential authors, institutions and countries involved in STD research, as well as the evolving social structure within the field. The surge in scientific output, especially since 2019 aligns with the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, immersive mechanisms, big data, and robotics, prompting uncertainty in business implementation and stakeholder responses. Originality of the research - This study sheds light on the intellectual evolution of STD by summarising a wide range of literature, helping the authors to be informed about future research directions in the field.