Bibliometric Analysis of Pro-Environmental Tourist Behavior in Rural Tourism Studies

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

• Zabih-Allah Torabi ^{1 ¶}
• Mohammad Reza Rezvani ²
• Hosna Ahmadi ¹
• Pantea Davani ³

¹ Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

³ University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/jrrp.2025.91993.1122

Abstract

Purpose- This research aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the knowledge structure and dominant trends in the literature concerning pro-environmental tourist behavior within rural tourism studies. The study seeks to identify research gaps and map the intellectual landscape of the field for future researchers.
Methodology- This study employs a scientometric approach, combining systematic review and bibliometric analysis. A total of 1,020 eligible articles published between 1985 and 2024 were identified through the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer software. Co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks were used to analyze the knowledge structure.
Findings- The results reveal that China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have the highest publication output in this field. Linnaeus University (Sweden), Sejong University (South Korea), and Lund University (Sweden) are among the most influential institutions. Keyword analysis identified three primary clusters: ecotourism, ecosystem and environmental protection, and tourism economy and market. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, factors such as attitude, subjective and social norms, perceived behavioral control, and environmental awareness are the most significant predictors of tourists' pro-environmental behavior.
Practical Implications- The findings provide valuable insights for destination managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable tourism management. The results can serve as a basis for designing behavioral interventions and formulating evidence-based policies to promote responsible behaviors among tourists in rural destinations.
Originality/Value- This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive and dynamic map of the knowledge structure and prevailing trends in pro-environmental behavior in rural tourism. By filling the gaps of previous studies, this research identifies novel research opportunities for future scholars.

Keywords

• Pro-environmental tourist behavior
• Rural tourism
• Scientometrics
• Sustainability
• Theory of planned behavior
• Environmental awareness

Main Subjects

• Rural Studies

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