|
on Tourism Economics |
| By: | ELI COHEN (Ben Gurion University of the Negev) |
| Abstract: | Wine tourism has become a key driver for both academic research and the wine industry, particularly due to its role in supporting the growth of small wineries and fostering regional development. It attracts new investments, increases employment, and boosts tourism in wine-producing areas. While traditionally centered around winery visits and wine tasting, wine tourism increasingly encompasses broader experiences. Tourists are motivated not only by an interest in wine but also by the desire to engage with local culture, cuisine, and nature.This study explores the features that potential visitors value most in wine tourism experiences. Using the Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) method, we measured the relative importance of different attributes. BWS offers advantages over Likert-type scales by forcing respondents to prioritize features, thus providing clearer insights into visitor preferences.Our results show that beyond wine-related activities, visitors seek experiences such as exploring natural landscapes, purchasing local products, enjoying regional gastronomy, and participating in agrotourism. These findings suggest that wineries and wine regions can benefit from offering more diverse experiences tailored to different tourist segments. From a managerial and marketing perspective, the study provides practical recommendations for enhancing wine tourism strategies and creating more attractive, differentiated offerings. |
| Keywords: | wine tourism, winery, wine region, best-worst |
| JEL: | Z00 Z19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:15516800 |
| By: | Hafdís Björg Hjálmarsdóttir (University of Akureyri) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the economic role of tourism in Iceland, focusing on its contributions to GDP, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Using descriptive and comparative analysis of secondary data?relying on official statistics and a comprehensive body of literature?the study assesses the industry?s growth, resilience, and sustainability in both national and global contexts. The findings show that tourism has become a key part of Iceland?s economy, surpassing traditional export sectors in value and providing significant employment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the industry?s volatility and strong dependence on international markets, exposing structural weaknesses that threaten its long-term sustainability. Alongside economic aspects, the research also addresses critical issues such as over-tourism, seasonality, and environmental pressures, especially in fragile ecosystems. Recent academic research and shifting policy frameworks highlight the importance of sustainability measures, fair taxation, and participatory governance as guiding principles for the sector?s future. Overall, the study emphasizes that balancing economic growth with environmental limits and community well-being is essential to developing a more resilient and forward-looking tourism model. These insights serve as valuable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars working towards sustainable and diverse tourism |
| Keywords: | Tourism; Iceland; Economic impact; Sustainability; Over-tourism; Resilience; Policy |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:15616972 |
| By: | Breisinger, Clemens; Wiebelt, Manfred; Omune, Lensa; Breisinger, Milena; Bordignon, Jacopo |
| Abstract: | Tourism presents a significant, yet largely untapped, opportunity for Africa to accelerate economic development, create jobs, and foster inclusive growth. This case study for sports tourism in Kenya estimates that for every $1, 000 spent by a sports tourist, a total of $3, 600 is generated within the Kenyan economy, highlighting the sector's substantial linkages with other sectors, particularly the food system. By 2035, sports tourism could contribute an estimated $1.21 billion to $2.14 billion to Kenya's economy annually and support the creation of up to 237, 000 new jobs. About half of these jobs are expected to benefit lower and middle-income households, supporting their livelihoods and poverty reduction. To fully realize these economic and social benefits, strategic policy interventions are crucial, including targeted investment in tourism infrastructure, marketing, and skill development; a concerted effort to improve the overall business climate to incentivize private sector engagement; and enhanced inter-ministerial coordination between tourism, planning, agriculture and other key stakeholders. While this study focuses on economic impacts, realizing these benefits requires careful planning and sustainable practices to mitigate potential environmental and social challenges. |
| Keywords: | tourism; economic development; livelihoods; poverty reduction; Kenya; Eastern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Date: | 2025–09–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ksspwp:176310 |
| By: | Ronen Shay (Ben Gurion university of the Negev) |
| Abstract: | The Israeli hospitality industry has long faced a chronic labor shortage, particularly in front-lineand support roles. Rooted in structural challenges such as low wages, demanding workingconditions, and seasonal fluctuations, this issue has been significantly worsened by the outbreakof the October 2023 war. The conflict resulted in a steep decline in both international anddomestic tourism and severely disrupted the sector?s labor force. Thousands of workers, includingforeign nationals and Palestinian day laborers, were either unable or unwilling to return to workdue to security concerns, military reserve mobilization, or personal trauma. This study, focusingon a case study in Eilat, Israel?s premier resort city, investigates how strategic workforce planningand cross-border labor agreements, such as initiatives to employ Jordanian workers, can serve asinnovative responses to the crisis. Interviews with hotel managers and employees reveal thatemotional support, job security, and flexible work arrangements are critical factors in enhancingemployee retention. In the current climate, fostering regional cooperation, promoting culturalsensitivity, and adapting regulatory frameworks are essential for maintaining workforce stability.This paper offers a timely analysis of the intersection between geopolitical instability and humanresource challenges in the hospitality sector. It also presents actionable recommendations forbuilding resilience and ensuring continuity in times of crisis. |
| Keywords: | Human resources, Hospitality, Employee recruitment, War impact, Tourism crisis |
| JEL: | Z00 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:15516774 |
| By: | Siu Kei (Kelvi Wong; Yidi Yang; Lok Yiu Leung |
| Abstract: | Cross-border travel functions as a form of shopping tourism, fulfilling both individual economic needs and leisure pursuits while substantially contributing to the valuation of retail property—a critical subsector of real estate. As an international financial hub and China's Special Administrative Region (SAR), Hong Kong possesses a distinctive retail ecosystem tailored for cross-border consumption. The cross-border flow between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, its neighboring city within China's Greater Bay Area, has historically served as a vital socioeconomic connection, although it was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic due to public health precautions. This study investigates the impact of cross-border travel on the performance of Hong Kong’s retail property market, focusing on the periods before the pandemic-induced lockdown and after the reopening of border checkpoints. By analyzing retail property performance indicators and transaction data, our findings reveal that the retail property market is more strongly influenced by inbound travelers-specifically, mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong- than by outbound travelers, namely Hong Kong residents traveling to Shenzhen. In addition, the more significant price decline in shopping areas after the reopening suggests that the retail market performance is particularly sensitive to inbound travel. These findings offer policymakers actionable insights for designing tourism strategies to revitalize Hong Kong's retail sector. |
| Keywords: | COVID-19; Cross-border travel; Inbound travel; Retail property market |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arz:wpaper:eres2025_249 |