Mapping the Landscape of National Park Tourism Research in Vietnam: A Bibliometric Analysis (1982–2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2026-13132Keywords:
National park tourism, Vietnam, Bibliometric analysis, Sustainable tourism, Ecotourism, Ecosystem servicesAbstract
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of national park tourism research in Vietnam from 1982 to 2025. Drawing on 90 English-language publications indexed in the Scopus database, the research employs advanced bibliometric tools—VOSviewer and Biblioshiny—to map scholarly trends, identify key contributors, and uncover thematic structures within the field. The findings reveal a modest but consistent growth in academic output, with an annual publication rate of 1.63%. Can Tho University and author Ly, T. P. emerge as leading institutional and individual contributors, respectively. The research landscape is characterized by moderate citation impact and a collaborative authorship pattern, although international co-authorship remains limited at 12.22%. Thematic analysis identifies four major research clusters: (1) marine and ecosystem conservation, (2) tourism governance and sustainable development, (3) visitor behavior and economic valuation, and (4) tourist perception and regional experience. These clusters reflect the field's interdisciplinary nature, integrating environmental science, economics, policy, and social psychology. Over time, the focus of research has evolved from foundational topics such as ecotourism and biodiversity to more nuanced themes, including ecosystem services, willingness to pay, and collaborative governance. The study also highlights the most influential journals and articles, with Journal of Destination Marketing and Management and Marine Policy among the top publication venues. Highly cited works emphasize destination distinctiveness, community engagement, and ecosystem valuation, underscoring the practical relevance of academic research to policy and management. This bibliometric mapping offers strategic insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to enhance sustainable tourism in Vietnam’s national parks. It underscores the need for broader international collaboration, deeper exploration of emerging themes, and integration of local knowledge systems. Ultimately, the study provides a valuable foundation for future academic inquiry and evidence-based policy development in national park tourism.
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