A systematic review of creative tourism literature with a meta-synthesis approach

A B S T R A C T
Creative tourism is a relatively new concept in the tourism field that has attracted the attention of individuals, policymakers, and researchers. As a subset of cultural tourism, this type of tourism emphasizes deep, authentic, and participatory experiences desired by tourists. Unlike traditional tourism, which primarily focuses on sightseeing, creative tourism provides opportunities for tourists to actively engage with local culture, arts, and community lifestyles. The present study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on creative tourism using a meta-synthesis approach to support the development of the tourism industry. Through this method, the researchers conducted an in-depth examination of the subject and synthesized the findings of previous qualitative studies. To achieve this, a comprehensive search was performed in reputable scientific databases within the time frame of 2000 to 2023, identifying 290 articles related to creative tourism. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 articles were selected for final content analysis, and the relevant indicators were extracted using open and axial coding strategies. Based on the study’s findings, six key indicators and 43 sub-indicators of creative tourism were identified. These indicators include creative industries, creative culture, creative individuals, creative places, creative experiences, and creative development. The results revealed that considering these indicators is crucial for the growth and sustainability of creative tourism. Ultimately, based on the findings, practical recommendations have been proposed for policymakers and local managers to enhance the balanced and sustainable development of creative tourism.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Tourism, a globally dominant service sector, profoundly influences economic, cultural, social, and political development. Its rapid global expansion has underscored its critical role in fostering regional economic growth, particularly within developing nations. Since the 1990s, the travel and tourism industry has contributed to global GDP and employment, driven by service-sector growth. In 2019, the industry's direct contribution to global GDP reached 10.3 percent, while its share of global employment stood at 10.4 percent. Projections indicate a sustained upward trajectory for these contributions in the future. Concurrently, the industry has evolved, prioritizing enhanced tourist experiences and the provision of creative services and products. In recent decades, the concepts of "creative economy," "creative industries," and "creative cities" have gained significant prominence. Within this context, creative tourism has emerged as a novel and alternative approach to traditional cultural tourism. This form of tourism emphasizes local culture, traditions, art, and history, actively engaging tourists in their destinations' cultural and creative texture. Emerging in the 1980s and 1990s, creative tourism has the potential to lead communities toward sustainable development and progress. Technological advancements, including widespread internet access and advancements in information and communication technology, have further catalyzed the growth of creative tourism, establishing it as a new paradigm within the tourism industry. Consequently, a comprehensive examination of creative tourism indicators and their interrelationship with the development of the tourism industry is crucial. This article aims to delve deeper into this subject, offering valuable insights and potential solutions for the optimal utilization and improvement of these indicators to foster the sustainable development of the tourism industry.
 
Methodology
This research utilizes a meta-synthesis approach for data collection and analysis. The primary data source was a systematic review of existing literature and relevant resources. Subsequently, qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. Meta-synthesis, as a recognized research methodology, allows researchers to integrate and synthesize findings from multiple studies, thereby facilitating the development of more comprehensive and insightful conclusions.  This study conducted an initial review of 290 sources to assess their methodological rigor. Following this rigorous evaluation, 25 sources were ultimately selected for inclusion in the analysis. This comprehensive review process ensures a thorough understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of creative tourism and its associated indicators. By adhering to stringent selection criteria, the study aims to maintain high accuracy and credibility in its findings, thereby establishing a robust foundation for the subsequent analysis of creative tourism indicators.
 
Results and discussion
This research identified key indicators of creative tourism, encompassing creative industries, creative culture, creative individuals, creative places, creative experiences, and creative development. These indicators were identified through a comprehensive literature review and subsequent qualitative content analysis. For instance, Richards and Raymond (2000) underscored the growing interest in understanding travel destinations' cultural, historical, and heritage dimensions, a phenomenon they termed the "creative turn." Furthermore, Dias et al. (2018) highlighted the pivotal role of external entities in fostering collaborative agreements, providing guidance, and facilitating access to technical and financial resources essential for the development of creative tourism.
 
Conclusion
This research examines the key indicators in the development of creative tourism. The results indicate that indicators such as creative industries, creative places, creative experiences, creative individuals, creative culture, and creative development play a significant role in the growth and sustainability of creative tourism. As one of the top five sources of foreign exchange earnings, tourism has a vital role in economic development and sustainability. Special attention to the tourism industry, especially creative tourism, can facilitate the achievement of developmental goals. Creative tourism, as a novel concept, has attracted the attention of many researchers. This type of tourism, emphasizing local culture, traditions, art, and history, allows tourists to engage in local culture and creativity actively. This not only enhances the tourism experience but also increases social participation through active interaction between tourists and local communities. In conclusion, it is suggested that policymakers and tourism managers consider the identified indicators when planning and implementing development programs. Policymakers should create frameworks that support creative tourism initiatives, enhance infrastructure, and provide training programs for local artisans and cultural practitioners. Additionally, fostering collaborations between local communities and tourism operators can further enhance the sustainability and impact of creative tourism. Moreover, establishing local and international networks for exchanging experiences and best practices can help improve the quality of creative tourism services and products. By creating a supportive environment and facilitating access to financial and technical resources, sustainable and comprehensive development of creative tourism can be achieved, ensuring long-term benefits for both tourists and local communities.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.