The role of cybersecurity as a preventive measure in digital tourism and travel: a systematic literature review

Abstract The purpose of this study is to show the growing concern about cybersecurity in tourism and travel research from 2000 to August 7, 2024. The methodology used in this research adopted a systematic literature review approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and using the Web of Science (WoS) database, as well as implement the VOSviewer software to map and show the most important themes related to cybersecurity, tourism, and travel keywords selected in this research. Findings of the current study show a growing interest in the cybersecurity topic and its relationship with tourism and travel disciplines by researchers, particularly from the beginning of COVID-19 to the present. Indeed, the growth of ‘cybersecurity’ and ‘tourism’ publications and citations the average annual up by 18% and 129%, respectively, from 2020 to 2023. While ‘cybersecurity’ and ‘travel’ publications and citations grew by 8% and 80%, respectively. Another important finding was that keyword analysis revealed the most occurring words mainly were cybersecurity; impact; AI; security; management; and tourism in the case of cybersecurity and tourism searches. Whereas for cybersecurity in travel searches were adoption; attacks; challenges; consumer; cyberattacks; hotels; management; OTAs; security; smart cities; tourism industry, among others. These findings show that studies carried out so far are tackling cybersecurity’s consequences and impact on travel and tourism activities in cities, companies, and consumers. Tourism and travel companies need to focus on prevention, not only detection and response to cyberattacks. This study is so important to know about cybersecurity as a prevention and protection tool in the tourism and travel industries because cyberattacks and cyberthreats to tourist destinations need to be taken seriously.