A Systematic Review of the Chinese Outbound Tourism Literature: 1983–2012

ABSTRACT

This study follows the evolution of Chinese outbound tourism literature over a 30-year period, from 1983 to 2012. A systematic review is undertaken of articles published in the three leading tourism journals to identify research trends. The review uses an evolutionary metaphor to chronicle the main contributions over three distinct stages: crawling out (1983–1992), scurrying about (1993–2002), and walking erect (2003–2012). The article concludes with a discussion of the key findings and suggestions for future research. Walking erect is appropriate and suggests this body of knowledge is still developing and has a considerable way to go. It also denotes that Chinese outbound tourism is likely to impact on Western research and will increasingly make its own contributions to generating new theory within the broader international tourism domain.

KEYWORDS:

• China
• evolution
• international tourism
• outbound tourism
• systematic review

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Byron W. Keating

Byron W. Keating, PhD, is a Professor and Director/Head of the Research School of Management, Australian National University, University Avenue, Acton ACT 2601, Australia (E-mail: [email protected]).

Songshan (Sam) Huang

Songshan (Sam) Huang, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Tourism Management, School of Management, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia (E-mail: [email protected]).

Anton Kriz

Anton Kriz, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at the Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Brush Rd, Ourimbah NSW 2258, Australia (E-mail: [email protected]).

Vincent Heung

Vincent C.S. Heung, PhD, is Head of the Hotel, Service and Tourism Studies Department, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Studies, 30 Shing Tai Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong SAR, China (E-mail: [email protected]).