Trends in Research on Sustainable Development of Craft Village Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis Using CiteSpace Software
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Abstract
This study examines global research trends on sustainable development in craft village tourism from 1976 to 2024 using CiteSpace software, explicitly to address a critical structural and conceptual gap in the existing literature: a lack of a macro-level, systematic synthesis of the field. A dataset of 185 documents drawn from the Scopus and Web of Science databases was analyzed to identify key themes, influential authors, and collaborative networks. Results show an evolving focus—from early works on cultural preservation and traditional crafts toward multifaceted approaches encompassing economic sustainability, environmental management, and community-based strategies. Despite a recent surge in publications, co-authorship and keyword analysis reveal moderate to low network densities, indicating fragmented collaboration and limited thematic integration. Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, leads empirical research on heritage conservation and community empowerment, while China and developed countries often contribute frameworks for policy and technology adoption. Emerging topics include digital transformation, circular economy models, and post-pandemic resilience. Future studies should establish standardized sustainability criteria, strengthen cross-regional partnerships, and apply advanced digital tools to enhance stakeholder engagement. By converging cultural preservation, economic viability, and environmental stewardship, craft village tourism can be positioned as a resilient and equitable model of rural development.
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References
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