The application of actor-network theory (ANT) in tourism research has been broadened. It reveals, through a unique methodological paradigm, the operational mode of an inter-relational network of key elements such as the environment, tourists, and tourism products. Taking 70 relevant papers on ANT published between 2000 and 2021 from the SSCI and CSSCI databases as samples, this paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to summarize ANT in the field of tourism research based on five aspects: the number of published papers and publication distribution, types of papers, data acquisition methods, application of ANT in different tourism research topics, and differences between Chinese and English papers. The results show that the number of published papers follows a phased upward trend; the type of papers is mainly qualitative; and the main data acquisition methods comprise case studies, field investigations, and second-hand data. The research mainly focuses on theory and research development, heritage and environmental issues, tourism product development and planning, and rural tourism, as well as the differences in research foci and the application of ANT between Chinese and English literature. Based on a complete understanding of the application status of ANT in tourism research, this paper puts forward suggestions for future development, which can act as a reference and inspiration for follow-up research.