Exploring digital destinations: a three-decade bibliometric journey through virtual tourism research

• Ishani Sharma ^[1] ; Kaur, Harpominder Jit ^[2] ; Singh, Satinder Pal ^[2] ; Aggarwal, Arun ^[1]
  1. [1] Chitkara University

     Chitkara University

     India

     
  2. [2] Chandigarh University

     Chandigarh University

     India

     
• Localización: Tourism review international, ISSN 1544-2721, Vol. 29, Nº. 2, 2025, págs. 93-114
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This study examines the transformative role of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in shaping user experiences within the evolving domain of virtual tourism. Through a bibliometric analysis of 326 documents spanning nearly three decades (1995‐2023), the research identifies key trends, theoretical advancements, and emerging themes in virtual tourism research. The analysis focuses on VR/AR technologies, exploring their impact on user satisfaction, immersive travel experiences, and sustainability. Findings reveal VR/AR’s potential to redefine traditional tourism practices, enhance customer engagement, and provide sustainable alternatives to physical travel. The study integrates insights from seminal works and highlights critical research gaps, offering a theoretical framework to advance understanding and drive innovation in this interdisciplinary field. These findings affect academia, industry practitioners, and policymakers aiming to harness VR/AR technologies for sustainable and engaging tourism solutions.