A review of studies on tourism and climate change from 2007 to 2021

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review empirical studies on the relationship between climate change and tourism for a period of 15 years, from 2007 to 2021. The main variables analyzed were research subjects, topics and economic development levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was used to analyze articles published on climate change and tourism from 2007 to 2021. A staged article selection process was followed using the Scopus database. Statistical comparison tests found differences among sub-groupings of articles.

Findings

The research articles on climate change and tourism continued their upward trajectory until 2021. The 893 articles analyzed were published in 254 different journals, with over 60% from non-tourism or cross-disciplinary journals. Significant differences were found by time period and between developed and developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Gaps in the literature were detected with respect to policy analysis and it was concluded that the research for developing nations remains insufficient. More research should be encouraged to focus on the situation and solutions to climate change and tourism in developing countries. Additional research is also needed on biodiversity declines in destinations because of climate change.

Originality/value

This research dealt exclusively with empirical research studies in academic articles. It compared results across three different time periods and between developing and developed countries. Statistical tests supported the comparisons.

Citation

Pan, S.-L., Wu, L. and Morrison, A.M. (2024), "A review of studies on tourism and climate change from 2007 to 2021", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 1512-1533. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-11-2022-1397