nep-tur New Economics Papers
on Tourism Economics
Issue of 2009‒06‒03
two papers chosen by
Antonello Scorcu
University of Bologna

  1. Tourism as a Driver of Economic Development: The Colombian Experience By Andreja Benkovic; Juan Felipe Mejía
  2. Leitura Econômica dos Jogos Olímpicos: Financiamento, Organização e Resultados By Marcelo Weishaupt Proni; Lucas Speranza Araujo; Ricardo L. C. Amorim

  1. By: Andreja Benkovic (Universität Hohenheim); Juan Felipe Mejía (Universität Hohenheim)
    Abstract: The current paper analyzes the importance and potentials of the tourism sector for economic development. It is divided into four major parts. After a short introduction, section two presents some theoretical insights into the topic of economic development. Commenting on the most relevant components of the catching-up theory by Abramovitz (1986) and the structural change theory by Baumol (1967) and others, it could be realized that growth and the accompanying structural changes in the distribution of employment and GDP have their sources in the sector industry. But at the moment of incorporating the demand side explanation of structural change, the service sectors offer growth potentials as well. Furthermore, the basic characteristics and importance of the tourism sector for economic development and employment are emphasized, examining the so-called “social capabilities” and the innovation potential within the process of economic growth of any nation. A short survey of literature concerning the contribution of this sector to economic growth makes clear that tourism should be considered not just from the perspective of the benefits, but also from the costs associated with it. Section three provides an analysis of the economic impact of tourism in a developing country, namely Colombia, based on time-series analysis and data gathered supported on the “Tourism Satellite Account” Methodology. Some relevant indicators produced by the World Economic Forum through its “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report”, are also evaluated. Finally, some conclusions are drawn with respect to the potentialities, as well as the challenges identified for the Colombian case.
    Keywords: structural change, service sectors, social capabilities, economic development, tourism, Colombia
    JEL: L83 L86 L88 O1 O54 Q01 Q5
    Date: 2008–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:old:wpaper:y:2008:i:26:p:1-36&r=tur
  2. By: Marcelo Weishaupt Proni; Lucas Speranza Araujo; Ricardo L. C. Amorim
    Abstract: Os Jogos Olímpicos são uma combinação impressionante de espetáculo e competição, heroísmo e fatalidade, nacionalismo e globalização cultural. Todavia, há outro lado grandioso, revelado quando se observa o valor econômico dos Jogos Olímpicos. Há uma racionalidade que caminha em paralelo à organização das competições e à disputa de medalhas. São razões de Estado mescladas a interesses privados que, quando bem articulados, convergem para um planejamento rigoroso, capaz de transformar custos elevados em rentáveis dividendos políticos, econômicos e sociais, invisíveis aos olhos desatentos da maioria dos telespectadores. Por isso, o presente estudo se debruça sobre esse outro lado, analisando os planos, a realização e os impactos dos eventos sobre as regiões-sede e os países dos Jogos. Para contribuir neste sentido, o estudo toma três exemplos de edições dos Jogos Olímpicos (Barcelona, Sydney e Beijing) e analisa brevemente os principais aspectos microeconômicos do evento, tais como planejamento, logística, plano de marketing e equilíbrio financeiro. Também procura discutir a face macroeconômica dos impactos resultantes dos jogos, tais como as transformações locais no fluxo de recursos, na infra-estrutura e o surgimento ou o reforço de novas atividades produtivas, como o turismo. Além disso, dá ênfase ao impacto na geração de empregos, na relocalização de empresas e de setores de atividade, assim como à influência exercida sobre a economia da região que hospeda os Jogos.
    Date: 2008–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1356&r=tur

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