Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2026 (Scopus)
Wellness tourism has rapid growth with an integral role in corporate responsibility (CR) and crisis response. Wellness tourism, identified by the Global Wellness Institute as one of the fastest-growing market segments, experienced significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, wellness tourism has demonstrated resilience and is projected to expand as travelers increasingly prioritize health and well-being. Through a bibliometric analysis, this study examines existing research on wellness tourism, CR, and crisis management, revealing thematic clusters and publication trends from 2001 to 2023. Through an analysis of 347 publications, the analysis identifies key journals, influential countries, and research clusters, including themes of destination management, traveler motivations, the impact of COVID-19, and the intersection of medical and wellness tourism. The findings offer insights into various aspects of wellness tourism, CR in tourism, and crises in tourist management. Findings highlight the importance of CR in crisis recovery, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development. This study emphasizes the need for ethical practices, effective communication, and proactive crisis management within wellness tourism to ensure resilience against future disruptions. Contributing to the scholarly discourse, this study identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future directions, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and deeper exploration into how wellness tourism can navigate crises while fostering sustainable growth and enhancing tourist well-being. These insights provide a foundation for industry stakeholders to develop strategies that align with both traveler expectations and global sustainability goals.