Barriers to the Realization of Spatial Justice in Tourism: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22080/jtpd.2026.30873.4068

Abstract

Background and Objective:With rapid growth of tourism and emergence of its negative consequences, the concept of spatial justice has gained increasing importance as a cornerstone of balanced tourism development. Despite emphasis placed on justice in policies and planning documents, its practical realization still faces serious challenges. This paper aims to identify and analyze barriers to realization of spatial justice in tourism based on a systematic review of related scholarly research. Methodology:Applying a qualitative approach, 78 related academic papers were analysed using a three-stage coding procedure through Atlas.ti software. Findings:The analytical process resulted in, 325 open codes, 16 axial codes, and 6 selective codes based on which, the barriers to achieving spatial justice in tourism can be explained within six main clusters: concentration of power and dominance of a market-oriented perspective; anthropocentrism and absence of post-humanist approaches; weaknesses in policymaking, implementation, and stakeholder participation; insufficient justice-oriented knowledge, research, and education; deficiencies in governance and regulatory; and environmental impacts alongside inherent tensions between tourism development and the goals of social and spatial justice. Conclusion:The results reveal a profound gap between the discourse of spatial justice in tourism and its practical realities—a gap that cannot be attributed solely to policy inefficiencies, but rather is rooted in prevailing intellectual, value-based, and structural foundations of tourism development. Originality and Value:The novelty of this study lies in offering an integrated and systematic portrayal of barriers to achieving spatial justice in tourism, moving beyond one-dimensional, policy-centric analyses by simultaneously addressing epistemic, normative, institutional, and environmental dimensions.

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 15, Issue 57
June 2026
Pages 139-161

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