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

Introduction

Tourism, a globally dominant service sector, exerts profound influence on 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 been a major contributor to global GDP and employment, driven by service-sector growth. In 2019, the industry's direct contribution to global GDP reached a substantial 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 years to come.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 places emphasis on local culture, traditions, art, and history, actively engaging tourists in the cultural and creative fabric of their destinations. Originating in the 1980s and 1990s, creative tourism possesses the potential to guide communities towards 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. A systematic review of existing literature and relevant resources served as the primary data source. 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. In this study, an initial review of 290 sources was conducted 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 levels of accuracy and credibility in its findings, thereby establishing a robust foundation for the subsequent analysis of creative tourism indicators.





Results

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 the cultural, historical, and heritage dimensions of travel destinations, 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.

Discussion and 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. Tourism, as one of the top five sources of foreign exchange earnings, 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 actively engage in local culture and creativity. 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.