Resumo: Recent publications argue that tourism research in South America lacks scientific contribution, limiting a comprehensive understanding of tourism and hindering its integration and internationalization. Through a documentary analysis of scientific publications focused on tourism in the Ibero-American region from 2010 to 2015, this study aims to provoke reflection on the construction of tourism as a scientific discipline. The conclusion highlights a significant contribution in identifying key issues and the potential for interpretation from a hermeneutic perspective.