Measurement scales provide destination managers with valuable insights into various aspects of their destination, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Thus, developing reliable and valid measurement scales is essential for obtaining accurate data and insights in tourism research. Yet, the field lacks a comprehensive review of these scales, particularly concerning their theoretical and methodological underpinnings throughout the development process. The current study scrutinized 135 articles on scale development and validation, published between 1999 and 2023. It identified prevalent issues and suggested enhancements for future scale development in tourism research.