METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES TOURISM INPUT-OUTPUT-ANALYSIS

Input-output analysis applied to the analysis of the economic impacts of tourism has many advantages, but suffers from serious limitations. This article reviews the literature and identifies the methodological issues in tourism input-output studies and the solutions proposed thus far. It also provides a systematic classification and discussion of the old and new issues grouped into four categories: substantive issues, aggregation, structural change and prediction, and intangible impacts. Possibilities for improving the input-output model and limitations are discussed. Suggestions for future research include incorporating the effects of tourism induced development on regional economic structure and the economic value of intangible social and environmental impacts. © 1991.