Mapping the Intersection of Stakeholder Engagement and Territorial Marketing in Tourism Mega-Projects: A Bibliometric Analysis (2000–2025)

Abstract

Tourism mega-projects have become crucial tools for territorial development and the construction of place identity. However, research connecting stakeholder engagement, territorial marketing, and the governance of such large-scale projects remains fragmented across disciplines. This study aims to explore this intersection by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 474 peer-reviewed documents indexed in Scopus between 2000 and 2025. Using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer, we performed performance analysis, co-citation mapping, and keyword co-occurrence analysis. Results show steady growth in publications, especially after 2011, with journals such as Sustainability and the Journal of Place Management and Development emerging as key publication outlets. The primary research themes encompass sustainability, stakeholder engagement, urban governance, and territorial branding. Newer topics, such as participatory place branding and identity co-creation, are beginning to gain attention but remain underdeveloped. The study also highlights a geographical imbalance: most publications come from Western countries, while regions where these projects are often implemented, especially in the Global South, are underrepresented. This work helps clarify the current state of research and suggests future directions for more inclusive and interdisciplinary studies.

JEL Classification : Z33, M31, R58, H54

Paper type: Theoretical Research