The Effect of Online Search on International Trade

Ma, Shaochun; Chao, Fang

doi:10.1080/00036846.2021.1922593

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 43 publications

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“…The enhanced integration and interoperability of digital systems, around 2010, have enabled interconnectivity among digital and physical worlds and accelerated the globalization of tourism suppliers (Dredge et al, 2018). Internet access has become a vital mediator of e-commerce (Directorate-General for Internal Policies, 2011), and online search intensity between countries, which enhances virtual proximity, has been shown to significantly stimulate international trade by overcoming unawareness and lowering international trade barriers (Ma and Fang, 2021). Despite this claim, scarce consideration has been given to the influence of search engines on international trade and specifically on international tourism flows.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of virtual proximity and digital adoption on international tourism flows to Southern Europe

et al. 2022

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This paper extends the traditional gravity model to explain the effect of digitalization on international tourism flows to five Southern European countries, where tourism plays an important economic role. The analysis is based on balanced panel data covering the period 2004–2019. Internet-user statistics and Google Trends search data are used as a proxy for digital adoption and virtual proximity, respectively, by source markets. Results lend support to the notion that virtual proximity rather than digital adoption aided international travel, demonstrating that digitalization cannot be interpreted as a fluid and vague concept that exerts a consistent effect. Results also present evidence that Southern European countries should not be treated as a block of homogenous destinations. These findings inform stakeholders regarding the significance of digital platforms as strategic tools to empower consumers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%