Bibliometric Analysis of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism: A Study of Trends in Scientific Publications

https://doi.org/10.25100/cdea.v41i82.13466
ecotourism sustainable tourism central Valle del Cauca conservation local development

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Published: Sep 24, 2025
Issue: Vol. 41 No. 82 (2025): Vol. 41 No. 82 (2025), May-august
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Authors

  Eusebio Ducuara Celis Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia
  Eneis Jaramillo Rodriguez Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia
  José Ever de la cruz Rojas Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia
Abstract

Ecotourism and sustainable tourism have experienced significant growth globally, driven by increasing concerns about environmental conservation and sustainable development. In central Valle del Cauca, Colombia, these forms of tourism emerge as alternatives with potential to promote ecosystem conservation and local economic development. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism, aiming to identify trends, authors, institutions, and key terms in research published between 2014 and 2024. Using tools such as the UNESCO Thesaurus, Scopus, Web of Science, Tree of Science, and VOSviewer, descriptors, keywords, and co-occurrences are analyzed to map the current state of research in these fields. The results indicate that ecotourism is a central topic in recent literature, with a strong correlation between the concepts of sustainability and tourism development. However, the analysis reveals a gap in the practical application of this knowledge to the specific context of Valle del Cauca, where the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing ecotourism and sustainable tourism have not been sufficiently explored. This study contributes to the understanding of research dynamics in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, highlighting the need for future studies to more directly address local implications, thereby strengthening the link between theory and practice in promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Author Biographies

Eusebio Ducuara Celis, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia

Full-time Tenured Professor, Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia. Business Administrator, graduate of Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia, and MSc in Organizational Sciences from Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

Eneis Jaramillo Rodriguez, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia

Full-time Tenured Professor, Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia. Professional in International Trade, graduate of Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia, and Master in Administration from Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

José Ever de la cruz Rojas, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia

Full-time Tenured Professor, Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables, Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia. Public Accountant, graduate of Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, Tuluá, Colombia, and Master in Project Management from Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

How to Cite
Ducuara Celis, E., Jaramillo Rodriguez, E., & de la cruz Rojas, J. E. (2025). Bibliometric Analysis of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism: A Study of Trends in Scientific Publications. Cuadernos De Administración, 41(82), e30113466. https://doi.org/10.25100/cdea.v41i82.13466
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