Review article

https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.31.4.10

A framework-based systematic review of blue tourism literature: Current status and future research agenda

Valsaraj Payini orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-4680 ; Associate Professor Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 576104
Giridhar Kamath orcid.org/0000-0001-8310-6609 ; Associate Professor, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 576104
Vasanth V.P. Kamath ; Professor T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 576104
Jyothi Mallya orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-4680 ; Librarian Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 576104

Abstract

Purpose – With destinations facing ever-increasing challenges due to increasing tourism
activities, understanding residents’ perspectives is critical for fostering a harmonious and
sustainable coexistence. Therefore, this study systematically reviews the studies on residents’
attitudes toward blue tourism.
Methodology/Design/Approach – Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this study employs a TCM framework to identify, assess, and
synthesize relevant literature, theories, contexts, and methods the researchers adopt.
Findings – The findings revealed blue tourism’s increasing attention and significance,
highlighting its growing importance in the global tourism discourse. The systematic review
of 81 articles suggests that social exchange theory was the most popular and widely used
to measure residents’ attitudes. Further, findings show that 50% were conducted on islands,
followed by coastal tourism (25%). Other contexts were cruise tourism (17.5), marine tourism
(2.5%), boat tourism (1.25%), and seaside destination (1.25%). Quantitative research designs
account for more than two-thirds of the total (80%), with qualitative papers accounting for
15% and mixed method papers for the remainder (5%).
Originality of the research – This review article identifies gaps in the current literature and
recommends future research directions to enhance our understanding of resident attitudes and
support for blue tourism, ultimately developing a resilient and sustainable knowledge landscape

Keywords

blue tourism, sustainable cities and communities, sustainable tourism development, residents’ attitude, bibliometrics, structured literature review, integrative review

Hrčak ID:

341797

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/341797

Publication date:

19.12.2025.

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