Conclusion
This literature review has reviewed the academic literature that is relevant to this thesis.
First, it provided a brief historical and geographical assessment of research tourism on a global
basis. Second, it assessed fourteen definitions of research tourism; created a conceptual model to
describe research tourism (Figure 2.3); and outlined some of unique marine tourism aspects of
MRT. It then evaluated the relevant academic literature to identify a range of research gaps about
research tourism. It is these gaps that underpin this thesis‘s study of the nature of MRT in
Australia. This thesis‘s next chapter presents and discusses the research methodology used to
undertake that study.