Trends in Destination Choice in Tourism Research: A 25-year Bibliometric Review

Abstract

Evolution of family leisure time have increased the demand for attractive destinations. In tourism, destination choice (DC) is considered a critical, complex and contextual decision. This, first of its kind, comprehensive, mix method bibliometric analysis of 627 papers from Scopus database spanning 25 years, is aimed to identify and review the most influential DC literature. It shows that DC is an interdisciplinary and evolving subject. Five themes, namely DC conceptualization, DC decision-making, DC modelling, DC internal and external factors are prevalent. DC conceptualization is explained by modified TPB and other models. DC decision-making process is hierarchical, sequential, multistage and varies across psychological, demographic and social profiles. Multiple choice, econometric and utility maximization models along with push–pull internal and external motivational factors have been extensively published. Growing academic interest in DC is evident from a threefold jump in average number of articles post-2007, 2500+ citations in 2019 out of 21,664 across 25 years, a growing trend of cross-country collaboration, rising number of publications in mainstream journals and 9 out of top 10 authors getting published in the short period of 2008–2016. Future research themes include empirical investigations of models, non-linear multifaceted decision-making and the pandemic’s impact on motivational factors.