Sustainable Development Through Agritourism and Rural Tourism: Research Trends and Future Perspectives in the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period

Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu (), Carmen-Mihaela Crețu, Rodica Pripoaie, Emanuel Ștefan Marinescu, Carmen-Gabriela Sîrbu and Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir ()
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Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu: Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania
Carmen-Mihaela Crețu: Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania
Rodica Pripoaie: Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
Emanuel Ștefan Marinescu: Faculty of Communications and International Relations, Danubius International University, 800654 Galați, Romania
Carmen-Gabriela Sîrbu: Cross-Border Faculty, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-30

Abstract: In the current global context, where rural sustainability and economic diversification of agricultural regions are becoming increasingly important, rural tourism and agritourism are emerging as key strategies for sustainable development. This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis of research trends in rural tourism and agritourism during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods (2020–2024) by identifying dominant themes, relevant scientific contributors, and emerging directions related to sustainability and post-COVID-19 transformations. To carry out this analysis, 1915 papers indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database were selected. Using VOSviewer software, co-citation networks, keyword co-occurrence, and international collaboration were generated and analyzed to identify thematic clusters and main research directions. The results highlight an increasing scientific interest in sustainable tourism models that integrate digitization, circular economy principles, and authentic rural experiences. The most frequently identified terms include ‘rural tourism’, ‘agritourism’, ‘sustainability’, and ‘COVID-19’, reflecting the field’s adaptation to recent global challenges. This study identifies major contributors (China, Italy, Spain, USA, Romania), key institutions, and gaps in the literature. Additionally, future research directions and practical implications are proposed for policymakers, rural entrepreneurs, and tourism promotion organizations.

Keywords: rural tourism; scientometric analysis; sustainability; bibliometrics; VOSviewer; rural development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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