Mapping the intellectual landscape of sport tourism: a bibliometric analysis (2010–2025)

ABSTRACT This study maps the intellectual landscape of sport tourism research from 2010 to 2025 through a bibliometric analysis of 1,015 Scopus-indexed documents using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. Publication performance indicates a maturing field with an annual growth rate of 1.82%, 15.55 citations per document, and increasing international collaboration (23.55%). Leading sources include the Journal of Sport and Tourism and Sustainability (Switzerland), while major contributing countries are the United States, China, and Spain, underscoring global distribution and connectivity. Science mapping identifies five interlinked thematic clusters: active and experiential sport tourism; consumer psychology and destination branding; global events and sustainability; tourism impact and development strategies; and cultural and heritage dimensions. Trend and thematic evolution analyses reveal a shift from foundational behavioral and event-focused work toward sustainability, smart infrastructure, and spatial systems, with development-oriented constructs emerging as key themes. The synthesis advances theory by integrating micro-level behavior with governance, infrastructure, and cultural mechanisms. It offers decision-relevant guidance for practitioners: embedding sustainability as a competitiveness lever, mainstreaming spatial and network analytics, and pursuing place-based programming to strengthen inclusion and resilience. Overall, the study provides a consolidated evidence map that clarifies the field’s structure, highlights its collaboration patterns, and signals future research pathways aligned with sustainable and strategic destination development.