Exploring tourism trends: a comparative analysis between global trends and higher education programs in Colombia

Abstract

Background Following the signing of the “Final Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict” in Colombia, an unprecedented boost for tourism is observed, promoting rural development and environmental protection. In the academic realm, Colombian universities offer tourism training programs to develop professionals with skills in management, sustainability, and technology. Methods Information is gathered from the Scopus database on tourism trends and from the National Information System for Higher Education (SNIES) on academic programs in tourism in Colombia until 2022. Geographical maps are employed to visualize the global scope of publications in Scopus and the locations of programs in Colombia. Text mining is used on Scopus abstracts and profiles of Colombian programs, generating word density graphs, frequency tables, and word clustering graphs. Results 707 articles from Scopus originating from 86 countries are selected, and 46 profiles of Colombian universities with tourism programs in 19 regions are compiled. Maps and tables demonstrate the geographical location of article density globally and of universities in Colombia. Word clouds, frequency tables, and dendrograms are generated using the abstracts and profiles. Conclusions Text mining analysis reveals similarities and differences between research and education in tourism in Colombia. There is convergence in management and development, reflecting aligned interests in both datasets. Words like ethics and sustainability indicate a shared commitment to a responsible perspective in the sector. Scopus emphasizes research, while Colombian universities prioritize practical training, especially in tourism management. This difference raises questions about the impact on graduates’ preparedness and their contribution to tourism development in Colombia. The geographical location of programs in Colombia shows a clear connection between academia and the tourism sector, facilitating synergies and continuous improvements.