Globalization indicators–inbound tourism relationship in the MENA region

Abstract

This study examines the short- and long-run relationship between globalization indicators and inbound tourism in the Middle East and North Africa region, using data from 1995 to 2008. Panel cointegration techniques are used to analyse short- and long-run relationships. The results show that inbound tourism can promote globalization and also that integration into the global economy and society encourages tourist arrivals in the region in the short and long run. From the results, it is recommended that the region's policy-makers should utilize the complementary association between globalization and international tourism to promote economic growth in the region. They can also utilize the tourism sector as a tool to enhance the connectivity of their economies and societies with other parts of the world.

Keywords::

• globalization indicators
• inbound tourism
• panel cointegration technique
• MENA countries