Application of digital technologies in nature-based tourism: A scientometric analysis

Abstract

This study explores the application of digital technologies in nature-based tourism through a scientometric Analysis. Drawing on publication data from 1999 to 2025 retrieved from Scopus, the research follows a two-phase Methodology: an initial mapping of the literature followed by a scientometric analysis using co-citation and burst detection techniques to identify influential works, key research areas, and emerging trends. The results reveal a diverse knowledge landscape structured around four major clusters: Ecotourism, Big Data, Digital Tools, and Blockchain. Although immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality dominate much of the academic discourse, artificial intelligence remains underrepresented in this context, revealing a gap in the literature. This study offers a comprehensive overview of how digital technologies influence nature-based tourism and provides strategic insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to promote more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally adaptive tourism development.