From Over-Tourism to Under-Tourism via COVID-19: Lessons for Sustainable Tourism Management

Abstract

With various strains of the novel coronavirus emerging during the last few years, there is a need to reinvent and manage the tourism industry by engaging various stakeholders. Industry and policymakers need to observe the shift and curate tourism-related products and offerings accordingly. In light of the increasing demand for innovations and future directions in the post-COVID-19 period, this article conducts a bibliometric analysis for sustainable tourism studies spanning the years 1990–2021. This paper presents an integrative review of tourism, environment and sustainable tourism to reveal geographical, contextual, and methodological directions for future research. The comprehensive analysis includes contributions on topics and methods, country collaborations, and thematic analysis. The findings are consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable production and consumption (SDG-12), with a particular emphasis on sustainable tourism to promote local culture and create jobs (SDG-12.b) and on sustainable growth (SDG-13). The study’s findings can be used to inform future policies and directions; for example, the findings indicate that the hospitality industry is facing challenges that necessitate new regulations to address its socioeconomic and environmental impacts.

Can Renewed Tensions of Tourist Areas Be Resolved? The Key Issue of Stakeholders’ Alignment

“…In this context, much recent work focuses on the direct and indirect influences of tourism development on residents' quality of life (Hu et al, 2024). In particular, Mahendru et al (2024) highlight the development of research focusing on sustainable tourism to promote local culture and create jobs, in line with the UN development goals .…”

Preface to Special Issue on “Evaluation of Policy Conflicts Towards Sustainable Development Goals”—II

“…The outbreak of COVID-19 has been a major roadblock on the way to implement sustainable development, as it impacted various sectors differently. This scenario has been holistically analyzed by Mahendru et al (2023). The review carried out by the authors have shown the health predicaments brought forth by the COVID-19 outbreak had a severe impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, and the negative impact has been largely experienced in terms of the slump in the job creation in this sector.…”