**4. Methods**

#### **4.1 The literature synthesis approach in research**

Literature review as a research approach is a systematic method of collecting and synthesising previously researched areas [197]. This approach (commonly referred to as LSA) has been adopted, among many others, in the business [198, 199] and tourism [141] spheres. A systematic review of literature, when conducted effectively, establishes a firm foundation for advancing knowledge and facilitating theory development [200]. Snyder [201] iterates that, "with a power that no single study has, a literature review can address research questions by integrating perspectives from a variety of empirical findings". The general aim of using LSA was to critically analyse and evaluate new and emerging strategies "for sustaining NBT amid COVID-19", as proposed by Snyder [201]. Torraco [202] and Snyder [201] caution that the manner in which relevant literature is selected and LSA is applied must be transparent. The literature presented in this chapter was thus integrated, examined, and critiqued to arrive at sensible conclusions regarding the phenomenon under investigation. The selection was based on pertinence [to the studied phenomenon], rigour [adherence to internationally acceptable standards], and significance [meeting scholarly expectations].
