Air transport and tourism flows to islands: A panel analysis for southern European countries

Abstract

Air transport is an essential component of the tourism industry, and the number, frequency, and capacity of flight connections may influence the level of tourism demand, especially for island destinations. This paper evaluates the influence of air transport on tourism arrivals to selected islands in seven southern European Union countries to determine the nature of the relationship between tourist arrivals and air transport, specifically, whether air transport services generate tourism demand or merely enable touristic flows. The paper uses panel data and applies an econometric model with justifications for endogeneity and dynamic issues. Results show a moderate impact of transport infrastructures on generating additional tourist arrivals; however, the model shows that air transport is a prerequisite to developing tourism demand and is not the only determinant in increasing tourist arrivals. Tourist arrivals appear more a determinant than a consequence of changes in-flight connections.

Air transportation and tourism interactions and actions for competitive destinations: the case of Cyprus

“…The results of the study suggest that tourism businesses representatives must be involved in any decisions, plans and strategies for tourism. An inability to exchange views and opinions, tourism sectors protagonists is likely to generate different agendas and orientations (Mazzola et al, 2022). Establishing an effective network of relationships can lead to a realistic drafting of tourism policies aligned with airline operations (Eccles, 2020).…”

“…The results of the study suggest that tourism businesses representatives must be involved in any decisions, plans and strategies for tourism. An inability to exchange views and opinions, tourism sectors protagonists is likely to generate different agendas and orientations (Mazzola et al. , 2022).…”

“…Several studies have examined the relationships between airlines, tourism development and islands (Mazzola et al, 2022;Salesi et al, 2021). Accessibility in island destinations implies that the airline network, which is important for the development of the tourism industry, must be flexible and adjusted to the needs of the country as a tourism destination (McLeod et al, 2021).…”

“…Several studies have examined the relationships between airlines, tourism development and islands (Mazzola et al. , 2022; Salesi et al.…”

Tourism and territorial growth determinants in insular regions: A comparison with mainland regions for some European countries (2008–2019)

“…Moving to the local characteristics of the tourism industry and factors related to tourism and environmental sustainability, Table 2 shows that, as expected, air movements are far more critical for islands. The transportation system, including the frequency of air connections (Mazzola et al, 2022), has a crucial role in fostering the development of islands (see also Pratt, 2015, on the effects for SIDS). In contrast, our proxy of overall tourism demand appears to be significantly associated only with the economic growth of mainland regions.…”