Global trends and research hotspots of Augmented Reality Research in Tourism: A Bibliometric Review via VOSviewer

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications related to augmented reality (AR) in tourism, aiming to identify major research trends, key contributors, and the overall development of the field. Using Scopus as the primary database, relevant publications were systematically retrieved and screened following PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and rigor in the selection process. Bibliometric indicators such as annual publication output, leading authors, institutions, countries, and frequently used keywords were analyzed using Scopus built-in analytical tools. In addition, VOSviewer was employed to visualize co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and country collaboration patterns. The findings reveal a steady growth in publications over recent years, indicating increasing scholarly interest in the integration of AR within cultural tourism contexts. Prominent authors and institutions were identified, alongside recurring research themes focusing on visitor experience, engagement, and heritage interpretation. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a structured overview of research trends and by highlighting potential research gaps for future empirical and conceptual studies in AR-enhanced cultural tourism.