Groundwater and Tourism: Analysis of Research Topics and Trends

Abstract

Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of exploring the correlation between groundwater and tourism as a research topic. Although previous studies have touched on certain aspects of this relationship, none has yet plunged to the heart of the matter. This Bibliometric study examines the literature on the relationship between tourism and groundwater in the overall context of economic development. The bibliometric tools VOS Viewer version 1.6.19 and R Bibliometrix were employed to analyze 104 publications selected via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram. The results suggest a growing interest in the subject and the need for broader and collaborative research, to fully understand these dynamics. Major contributions come from Spanish, American, Chinese, and Mexican authors, focusing on sustainability, anthropogenic impact, physical characteristics, and groundwater quality. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of the current research landscape, identifies trends and gaps, and encourages international collaboration for a better understanding of groundwater issues in the tourism context. Although our work provides very important knowledge, it should be recognized that the analysis is made only based on the Scopus-indexed literature. This restriction highlights the necessity for future research to do a more comprehensive and integrated bibliometric analysis. The array of research sources will thus definitely enhance the joint academic knowledge on that subject and lead to more inclusive and, therefore, higher-quality academic discourse.