SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND CLIMATE CHANGE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (2014-2024)

This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on sustainable tourism (ST) and its environmental and climate impacts from 2014 to 2024, using data from the Scopus database. The study explores trends, key contributors, and the relationship between sustainable tourism and environmental challenges. Two main themes are examined: 1) the environmental and climate impacts on sustainable tourism, which dominates due to the sector's vulnerability to climate change, and 2) the impacts of sustainable tourism on the environment, a growing area aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. The analysis identified 244 publications, with research output surging since 2018, reflecting the urgency of climate change. Studies on climate change impacts dominate, focusing on adaptation strategies, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Research on sustainable tourism's environmental impacts, though less prominent, has grown, emphasizing waste reduction, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas mitigation. China leads with 36 publications, followed by the UK, Italy, and Malaysia. The UK and Sweden produce highly impactful research, while the US leads in volume but with lower impact per paper. Raihan, A. leads with four articles, followed by several authors with two each. Common themes include responsible tourism, ecosystem protection, and the need for effective policies. Citations have risen sharply, with 1,332 citations for 38 papers in 2024, indicating growing influence. The UK and Sweden have the highest citation-to-document ratios. "Climate change" and "tourism" are the most frequent keywords, showing strong interconnections. Sustainable development and environmental impact are also significant but less represented, indicating gaps in broader sustainability research. Sustainable tourism practices are essential to mitigate climate change and environmental degradation. Policymakers and industry stakeholders should prioritize sustainable practices and adaptation strategies. Increased international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and funding are needed to address research gaps. Future research should focus on local climate impacts, social sustainability, and integrating sustainable development goals into tourism practices. Overall, the study highlights the critical role of sustainable tourism in addressing global environmental challenges and calls for integrated approaches to ensure the sector's resilience and sustainability.