A Bibliometric Analysis of Marine and Coastal Tourism Development

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the evolution, structure, and research trends in global marine and coastal tourism development between 2020 and 2025, as well as to identify key research themes, influential contributors, leading countries, and collaboration networks shaping the field. A descriptive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from the Scopus database, combining quantitative performance analysis through the Bibliometrix R package with network visualization using VOSviewer, including the application of Lotka’s Law to examine author productivity patterns. The results indicate a rapidly growing research domain, reflected in a strong annual growth rate of scientific publications and increasing global scholarly attention toward sustainable marine tourism development. The thematic analysis reveals dominant research focuses on sustainable development, ecotourism, marine environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and blue economy strategies. Collaboration patterns demonstrate a high level of international cooperation, emphasizing the interdisciplinary and transboundary nature of marine and coastal tourism issues. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure and development trajectory of the field, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers to support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen global collaboration, and promote balanced strategies integrating tourism growth with long-term environmental sustainability.