Bibliometric analysis on the competitiveness approach in tourism destinations

Abstract

Current tourism competitiveness is characterized by a globalized and digitalized race, with destinations striving to differentiate themselves through unique experiences, innovative and sustainable technologies. The objective of this research paper is to develop a bibliometric analysis on the approach to competitiveness in tourist destinations, in order to understand the state of scientific production and identify the main research gaps in the topic. The present study's approach is mixed and a proprietary methodology consisting of three stages was used for the analysis. Similarly, softwares such as Bibexcel and VOSViewer were used for the analysis of productivity indicators and the mapping of bibliometric networks. It was determined that there is no consensus among authors on the systemic conceptualization of the construct and in the framework of measuring tourism competitiveness; since it is not possible to create a universal model applicable to all destinations. Instead, this approach is pursued in the latest research lines as part of the “smart destination” model.