Mapping the Future of Ecotourism: A Decade of Research Insights

Authors

  • Elisabete Nogueira Portucalense University, Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, REMIT
  • Sofia Gomes Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies (REMIT), Portucalense University, Instituto Superior de Ciências Empresariais e do Turismo, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0326-0655
  • Mónica Monteiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ictr.9.1.4382

Keywords:

Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Literature Review, Research Trends, Environmental Conservation

Abstract

This study underscores the importance of deepening understanding of ecotourism to foster sustainability and environmental responsibility in tourism. Through a systematic literature review of 84 articles published between 2015 and 2025 in Web of Science database, the study examines the intellectual and thematic structure of the discipline. Three major thematic clusters were identified, revealing a shift from descriptive studies focused on conservation and community participation toward integrative approaches that encompass governance, behavioral psychology, and digital transformation. By synthesizing current scholarship, this research highlights emerging theoretical trends, unresolved gaps, and future directions that align ecotourism with global sustainability goals. The findings offer conceptual insights for researchers, evidence-based guidance for policymakers, and practical strategies for tourism enterprises aiming to strengthen ecological integrity and community resilience.

Author Biographies

Elisabete Nogueira, Portucalense University, Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, REMIT

Elisabete Nogueira, Ph.D. in Business Sciences, is an assistant professor at Universidade Portucalense and a REMIT researcher focused on sustainability, innovation, the digital and circular economy, and artificial intelligence. She has published in Web of Science and Scopus journals and reviews for several of them, reflecting her commitment to advancing contemporary business practices.

Sofia Gomes, Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies (REMIT), Portucalense University, Instituto Superior de Ciências Empresariais e do Turismo, Porto, Portugal

Sofia Gomes is an associate professor at Portucalense University and adjunct professor at ISCET. She holds PhDs in Applied Economics and in Strategic Management. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the circular economy. She coordinates the TODS research line at REMIT and has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Mónica Monteiro

Mónica Monteiro is Auxiliar Professor in Universidade Portucalense Infante Dom Henrique and a consultant for various companies. She was the Administrative and Financial Director of LIPOR, an association of municipalities for waste management in the Greater Porto area, until July 2024. Published various articles in international journals. Works in the area(s) of Social Sciences with emphasis on Economics and Business Research areas: Sustainability and Circular Economy, Business Strategy, Lean Methodology in Public Administration and SMEs.

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Published

2026-04-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): The Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Tourism Research (ICTR 2026)

Section

Academic Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 International Conference on Tourism Research

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.