Advancing slow tourism research: an integrative review

Purpose This study aims to explore the evolving intersection of slow tourism and sustainability by adopting an integrative review approach that captures current research patterns and highlights emerging experiential themes. Special attention is given to an interesting and compelling cluster, immersive travel experiences that reflect how tourists engage more meaningfully with destinations. Design/methodology/approach A two-phase method was employed, and relevant documents for both the bibliometric analysis (N = 268) and the systematic literature review (N = 35) were identified using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol to ensure a structured and transparent selection process. The second phase was guided by the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Method (TCCM) framework, focusing on immersive tourist experiences identified through keyword analysis. Findings The study reveals a growing academic focus on themes such as sustainability, authenticity, and mindful travel, especially after 2019. The systematic review further uncovers a rising interest in the psychological and experiential aspects of slow tourism, including tourists’ emotional engagement, motivations, and reflective behaviors. However, notable gaps remain, particularly in the application of behavioural theory, green mobility innovations, and the integration of agricultural experiences into slow tourism models. Research limitations/implications As an integrative review based on secondary sources, the study is limited by the coverage of databases and indexing lags. Future research should extend empirical investigation into underexplored regions and apply behavioural and psychological theories through longitudinal and mixed-method designs to advance slow tourism scholarship. Practical implications The findings provide actionable insights for destination planners and policymakers, demonstrating how immersive, low-impact experiences can encourage longer stays, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable mobility. For practitioners, the review underscores the importance of integrating local food systems, heritage narratives, and place-based experiences to enhance visitor well-being and strengthen regional economic resilience. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive and accessible reference point by integrating bibliometric and systematic review methodologies. It offers practical implications for tourism planning, theoretical model development, and policy design. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how immersive slow travel supports global sustainability, specifically through responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and sustainable communities and destinations (SDG 11), while enriching the tourist experience in more meaningful ways.