Beyond horizons: illuminating urban tourism – a systematic odyssey through sustainability, quality of life and natural environments

Purpose This paper aims to explore the intricate relationship among urban tourism, sustainability and the contributions of natural environments to the quality of life and convivial atmospheres in urban destinations. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, exploring the nuances of how natural environments impact the well-being of diverse demographic groups, both locals and visitors. Design/methodology/approach The study systematically reviews the literature using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) technique and uses the Scopus database. The search strategy incorporates key terms related to urban tourism, sustainability, quality of life and natural environments. Findings The findings of the systematic literature review provide insights into the current landscape of urban tourism, sustainability and the role of natural environments. The paper synthesizes existing knowledge, identifying trends, challenges and opportunities in leveraging natural environments for sustainable urban tourism. Research limitations/implications Despite offering a thorough synthesis, this study has certain limitations. The scope is limited to articles published in English and available in the Scopus database, following the PRISMA guidelines. The implications of this research are significant, informing future studies and guiding urban tourism planning and policy development. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by unraveling complexities in the interplay between natural environments, quality of life and convivial atmospheres in urban tourism. The emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives and the post-COVID-19 era adds originality, providing insights that can guide future research and practical applications in the field.