The Impact of Digitalization and Digital Transformation on the Tourism Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Directions

Abstract

This study explores the impact of digitalization on the tourism industry through a bibliometric analysis of the literature, focusing on the main research clusters and future directions. Using the Scopus database and the VosViewer visualization tool, 298 articles were analyzed, and the results indicate the existence of three major clusters. The first cluster focuses on digital transformation and innovation in tourism, highlighting how digitalisation is redefining operational processes and improving services. The second cluster highlights the role of digitalisation in adapting the tourism sector to global challenges, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third cluster explores the link between digitalization and sustainability, emphasizing interest in responsible tourism and emerging technologies such as smart tourism and social media. Based on these clusters, the study suggests future research directions, including deepening the relationship between digitalization and sustainability, comparative studies between markets, and analyzing the impact of advanced technologies on the personalization of tourism experiences. The conclusions highlight the importance of digitalisation as a transformative force in tourism, providing a basis for the development of sustainable and innovative strategies in a digitalised environment.

Keywords

• tourism
• digitization
• bibliometric analysis
• vosviewer
• scopus