Exploring the role of female travel influencers: A network and thematic analysis

Considering the active participation of female travelers in various forms of tourism, particularly in nature-based tourism, and their content sharing on social media, an increased number of studies have emerged on psychological empowerment and well-being. However, the implications of this phenomenon can be expected in other arenas that entail economic effects. The objective of this research is to explore the knowledge structure of research on female travelers emerging as travel influencer micro-celebrities. By conducting network and thematic analyses on publications selected through a systematic literature review, this work assesses the current state of research and identifies potential gaps. Findings suggest a dearth of research that explores the intersection of economic empowerment with female travel influencers. While destination marketing appears to be a popular research theme, there seems to be a lack of studies examining the broader impact of these female digital entrepreneurs on influencer marketing strategies and consumer behaviour. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach that integrates the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of this phenomenon.