Tourism Network in Urban Agglomerated Destinations: Implications for Sustainable Tourism Destination Development through a Critical Literature Review

Huanhuan Hua,Amare Wondirad

doi:10.3390/su13010285

Huanhuan Hua, Amare Wondirad

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010285

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Abstract

This study analyzes tourism network in urban agglomerated destinations and puts forth implications for future sustainable development through a critical and extensive review of related literature. First of all, with a bibliometric analysis of 2670 selected articles from three research fields of urban tourism, urban agglomeration tourism and tourism destination network, we analyzed their respective research themes and classified them accordingly. Then, the study further investigates the role of tourism network in urban agglomerated destinations by identifying the differences and connections between urban agglomeration tourism and urban tourism. Finally, a basic architecture is established for the study of tourism networks in urban agglomerated destinations context. Study findings highlight that urban agglomeration tourism emphasizes the interconnectivity and social network relationships. However, research on the destination network of urban agglomerations is limited, especially from the tourism development perspectives. Therefore, the evolution process, structural effects, determinants and dynamic mechanisms of the tourism network in urban agglomerated destination are among the opportunities for future research. Moreover, the research architecture shows that the network relationship emerges as a new direction for the study of urban agglomeration system to better integrate and harness destinations’ resources and thereby promote sustainable development in urban agglomerated areas.

Highlights

Globalization increasingly weakens restrictions and trade barriers among regions [1], and thereby expedites the free flow of capital, technology, and services cross-border
Given the contemporary tourism and hospitality sector is profoundly swayed by stakeholder collaboration, partnerships and networking as well as big data and smart tourism, the development of an integrated and sustainable tourism destination, especially in urban settings requires the agglomeration of key tourism actors and industries
By adopting a bibliometric analysis of urban tourism, urban agglomeration tourism, and tourism destination network research, this study examines the tourism network in urban agglomerated destinations and casts new light on the differences, connections, and overlaps among the three

Summary

Introduction

Globalization increasingly weakens restrictions and trade barriers among regions [1], and thereby expedites the free flow of capital, technology, and services cross-border This phenomenon is substantial in the context of the global hospitality and tourism sector due to its inherent nature and allows the restructuring of numerous destinations in order to satisfy the growing and dynamic tourist demand. In this juncture, urban agglomeration has become a new form of contemporary urban development [2], which would become a key potential strategic support for future economic growth in the globalized and competitive world [3].

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