Tourism seasonality in academic research: A review of sustainability issues

Abstract

Tourism seasonality creates recurring fluctuations in visitor demand, posing major challenges for destination sustainability. This study addresses a research gap by examining seasonality through an integrated economic, environmental and social sustainability lens. Using a bibliometric and systematic review of 804 Web of Science publications, the study maps current knowledge and key research trends. Findings show that peak seasons intensify environmental degradation and socio-cultural pressures, while off-seasons contribute to income instability and underused infrastructure. At the same time, seasonality can support ecosystem recovery and product diversification. The study concludes that seasonality is a structural feature requiring context-specific, interdisciplinary policies and proposes a conceptual framework linking seasonality to the three pillars of sustainability.