nep-tur New Economics Papers
on Tourism Economics
Issue of 2010‒05‒15
three papers chosen by
Antonello Scorcu
University of Bologna

  1. The impact of mega-events on tourist arrivals By Johan Fourie; Maria Santana-Gallego
  2. World Heritage List: does it make sense? By Bruno S. Frey; Lasse Steiner
  3. Economic and social impact of introducing casino gambling: a review and assessment of the literature By Alan Mallach

  1. By: Johan Fourie; Maria Santana-Gallego
    Abstract: While a mega-event is scheduled at least once every year somewhere in the world, these events are rare occurrences for the host cities and countries. The benefits of such events seem lucrative; the very fact that many countries bid to host these events suggests that the benefits - be they tangible or intangible - more often than not outweigh the costs. Using a standard gravity model of bilateral tourism flows between 200 countries from 1995 to 2006, this paper measures a very direct benefit of such mega-events: the increase in tourist arrivals to the host country. Although ex ante expectations are that tourism numbers would increase significantly during such an event, a growing literature points to the careful appraisal of possible tourist displacement, i.e. 'regular' tourists that change their behaviour when a mega-event is held, either shifting their trip to a different time or different location. This may result in reduced tourism gain, or even loss. In general, results suggest that mega-events promote tourism but the gain is dependent on the type of mega-event, the participating countries, the host country’s level of development, and whether the event is held during the peak- or off-season.
    Keywords: Mega-events, panel data, development, international tourism
    JEL: L83 F19
    Date: 2010
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rza:wpaper:171&r=tur
  2. By: Bruno S. Frey; Lasse Steiner
    Abstract: The UNESCO World Heritage List contains the 900 most treasured Sites of humanity’s culture and landscapes. The World Heritage List is beneficial where heritage sites are undetected, disregarded by national decision-makers, not commercially exploitable, and where national financial resources, political control and technical knowledge for conservation are inadequate. Alternatives such as the market and reliance on national conservation list are more beneficial where the cultural and natural sites are already popular, markets work well, and where inclusion in the List does not raise the destruction potential by excessive tourism, and in times of war or by terrorists.
    Keywords: Global public good, world heritage, cultural certificates, monuments, UNESCO
    JEL: Z11 D6 F5 H87
    Date: 2010–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zur:iewwpx:484&r=tur
  3. By: Alan Mallach
    Abstract: Reviews and assesses the existing literature on the potential economic impact of introducing casino gambling into a community or region, first by discussing the casinos? effect on economic activity and growth within a community or region, and then by exploring their effect on government revenues. Also discusses the literature related to the economic impact of social costs widely associated with gambling, such as increases in crime, bankruptcy, and problem gambling.
    Keywords: Gambling industry
    Date: 2010
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedpcd:10-01&r=tur

This nep-tur issue is ©2010 by Antonello Scorcu. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at http://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the School of Economics and Finance of Massey University in New Zealand.