Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Rahul Pratap Sigh Kaurav, and Neelam Kaushal

Abstract: Since its inception in 2012, Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism (APJIHT) has emerged as a key platform for research in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Utilising bibliometric analysis and network analysis tools like Biblioshiny and VOS viewer, this study assessed APJIHT’s impact through its publication trends, citation patterns, and collaborative networks. The research identified four main clusters of publications and illustrated international collaborations and keyword associations. It recommends enhancing the journal’s academic influence by expanding quantitative research and fostering a balanced methodological approach. As APJIHT approaches a critical phase in its development, this paper provides strategic guidance to enrich its scholarly contributions, advocating for a synergy of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to support robust academic dialogue and innovation within the fields of tourism, leisure, hospitality, and management.

Keywords: Tourism, hospitality, innovation, Malaysia, APJIHT, bibliometric analysis, scholarly impact