Whilst quantitative and qualitative research methods have been comprehensively discussed in the literature there remains a notable absence of discussion about conceptual research. This study addresses this gap and provides an original contribution through a rigorous analysis of conceptual research in tourism. It distinguishes between conceptual and other research and provides a definition and evaluation of the concept. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis of published journal articles generates three significant outcomes. First, conceptual research, whilst increasing in popularity, is seen to be relatively marginal in tourism. Second a typology of conceptual research issues is constructed. Third a new definition is proposed. Finally an analysis of five examples provides a more holistic understanding of conceptual research and its processes and products.