Ecotourism Research Trends in BRICS Nations: A Scientometric Analysis from 2003 to 2023
Keywords:
Ecotourism, BRICS nations, Sustainable Tourism, Scientometric Analysis, Research TrendsAbstract
This study examines the Ecotourism research within BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), between 2003- 2023, using a scientometric approach. A total dataset of 4,359 peer-reviewed scientific articles were accessed from the Scopus database and analysed using RStudio and VOSviewer software. The number of ecotourism research output significantly increased particularly after 2014, with China dominating both productivity and international collaboration. The most prominent journals publishing ecotourism research included Sustainability (Switzerland) followed by Journal of Sustainable Tourism, and African Journal of Hospitality. Frequently occurring keywords showed association with ecotourism, tourism development, conservation, sustainability, and local participation. Spatiotemporal analysis, questionnaire surveys, and geographical analysis are the most commonly employed research methods. The analysis also showed notable disparities in research output and collaboration among BRICS nations exist, with India and Russia lagging behind South Africa and China. This study plays a prominent role in providing comprehensive overview of research on ecotourism within BRICS nations, identifying key themes, leading contributors, and areas that require more attention and addresses the gaps existing in the area. The findings contribute to offer valuable insights for academicians, policymakers, and investors aiming to encourage sustainable tourism practices in the BRICS region and beyond.
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