Hedonism in tourism and hospitality: A bibliometric review of the arena and future research direction

Over the past decade, interest in hedonism within Tourism and Hospitality (T&H) research domain has grown substantially. However, a comprehensive synthesis that quantifies and maps the intellectual landscape of this literature remains absent. Addressing this gap, the present study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 439 publications from 2000 to 2025 based on a systematic data collection approach using the PRISMA protocol. Employing performance analysis and science mapping techniques, the study offers a quantitative and visual representation of the conceptual and thematic evolution of hedonism research in T&H. The findings reveal a steady growth in research output since 2011, with significant contributions from both Western and non-Western countries, predominantly published in leading T&H journals. Four major thematic clusters emerge: (1) tourist experience and well-being, (2) perceived value and behavioural outcomes, (3) new-age technologies and hedonic experience, and (4) hedonic pricing and shared economy valuation models. These clusters reflect a dynamic and interdisciplinary research landscape, highlighting the field’s expanding theoretical and methodological scope. The study also identifies key emerging trends - such as the integration of social media, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and sharing economy platforms like Airbnb - which increasingly shape hedonic consumption experiences in T&H contexts. By mapping the intellectual structure and identifying research frontiers, this study contributes a foundational resource for academics and practitioners seeking to understand, apply, and further advance hedonism-related research in T&H. It represents the first large-scale bibliometric effort to consolidate this domain and offers strategic directions for future inquiry.