Astrotourism research landscape: a bibliometric analysis

Sebastián Araya-Pizarro, Nando Verelst

Resumen


Astrotourism, also known as stellar tourism, involves the development of recreational and educational activities related to the cosmos and astronomical phenomena. This type of special interest tourism focuses on nature, culture, and conservation, and stands out for its exceptional economic, social, and cultural benefits. The aim of the study was to analyze the scientific production on astrotourism based on PRISMA guidelines and a review of the Web of Science and Scopus databases (up to December 2022). The applied methodology consisted of bibliometric analysis and mapping of the literature, carried out using the Bibliometrix program, which found a total of 45 articles in 36 journals. The results revealed a growing scientific production, concentrated in few journals, scattered among multiple authors, and limited thematic diversity divided into twelve clusters, which were classified using the Callon algorithm (niche, motor, basic, and emerging/declining themes). It is concluded that astrotourism is a dynamic and consensual topic of study regarding its regional sustainable development contribution and educational capacity on the heritage and aesthetic value of the skies.

Keywords: Astrotourism, Stargazing tourism, Special Interest Tourism, Bibliometric analysis.

RESUMEN

El astroturismo, conocido también como turismo estelar, comprende el desarrollo de actividades recreativas y educativas relacionadas con el cosmos y los fenómenos astronómicos. Este tipo de turismo de intereses especiales se enfoca en la naturaleza, la cultura y la conservación, y se destaca por sus beneficios económicos, sociales y culturales excepcionales El estudio planteó por objetivo analizar la producción científica sobre el astroturismo, con base en las indicaciones PRISMA y la revisión de las bases de datos Web of Science y Scopus (hasta diciembre de 2022). La metodología aplicada consistió en un análisis y mapeo bibliométrico de la literatura, mediante el programa Bibliometrix, que halló un total de 45 artículos en 36 revistas. Los resultados revelaron una producción científica
creciente, concentrada en pocas revistas, disgregada en varios autores, y una diversidad temática limitada dividida en doce clústeres, que fueron clasificados mediante el algoritmo de Callon (temas de nicho, motores, básicos y emergentes/declive). Se concluye que el turismo astronómico es un tema dinámico de estudio y consensuado respecto de su contribución al desarrollo sostenible regional y su capacidad educativa sobre el valor patrimonial y estético de los cielos. 

Palabras clave: Astroturismo, Turismo de las estrellas, Turismo de Intereses Especiales, Análisis bibliométrico.


Palabras clave


Astrotourism, Stargazing tourism, Special Interest Tourism, Bibliometric analysis

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Referencias


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-235X2023000100075

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