Sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

This study sought to assess the extent to which tourism research has considered sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations. It also aims to identify the relevance of the economic, environmental and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability for tourist destination success, identify gaps in the literature and draw theoretical and practical implications and make recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consists of a systematic literature review on sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations.

Findings

Research interest in the topic is recent and mostly focused on environmental sustainability. Developing a sustainable tourism policy and performing adequate destination management are crucial for tourism destination success. It is also acknowledged that perceiving a destination as sustainable has a significant positive impact on tourists' experiences, purchasing behaviour and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study's value arises from the fact that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review was yet been performed on the topic of sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations.

Citation

Santos, M.C., Veiga, C., Santos, J.A.C. and Águas, P. (2022), "Sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations: a systematic literature review", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 20-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-10-2021-0139