The evolution of vulnerability research in hospitality and tourism

ABSTRACT

This study explores the scientific evolution and the main aspects of vulnerability research in hospitality and tourism (HT) by employing bibliometric and content analysis. The findings reveal that climate change issues are the main driver of this multi-disciplinary area of research, followed by threats of disruptive events and issues related to the health and safety risks of marginal groups in HT. Vulnerabilities of tourism have been studied more extensively than vulnerabilities of hospitality. Although the threats analysed vary greatly, they are commonly narrowed to specific hazards and pressing issues. Notably, the vulnerability of HT in the context of COVID-19 has attracted considerable attention from scholars and may herald a new phase for this research area.

KEYWORDS:

• Vulnerability research
• bibliometric analysis
• climate change
• hospitality
• tourism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frida Bahja

Frida Bahja is a Ph.D. candidate at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, USA. She is affiliated with UCF’s National Center for Integrated Coastal Research. Her current research relates to resilience, vulnerability, and sustainability of tourism.

Xiaoxiao Fu

Xiaoxiao Fu is an Assistant Professor at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, USA. Her research contributes to the rich tapestry of consumer experience and well-being in hospitality and tourism. Recently, she has focused on people-place relations from both hosts’ and guests’ perspective.

Sergio Alvarez

Sergio Alvarez is an Assistant Professor at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, USA. He is a natural resource economist researching how natural resources and the environment contribute to human well-being through the provision of ecosystem services such as food, recreation, and protection from natural and man-made hazards.