Tourism Statistics: Methodological Imperatives and Difficulties: The Case of Residential Tourism in Island Communities1

1. The field research that led to this paper was conducted during the authors’ participation to a national research project on hidden tourism estimation: the aims, methodology and results of the research have been published elsewhere. The present paper is the result of the joint work of the authors. However, O. Giambalvo wrote the sections ‘Statistical Methodology and Tourism Statistics’ and ‘Study Findings: Demand’ and S. Volo wrote all the remaining sections.

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3. Both the Current Issues in Method and Practice (CIMP) Editor and Channel View Publications recognise that the subject matter of this paper may be considered by some to be contentious. As such, the CIMP Editor and Channel View Publications have attempted to remove details related to the location of the research discussed in this paper. In some cases, this meant the removal of references. Neither the CIMP Editor nor the Publisher (Channel View Publications) are responsible for any use of the data and comments contained herein that may lead to the identification of businesses, governments or individuals discussed.

Abstract

Tourism statistics are one of the key sources of information for economists, public officials and tourism decision-makers. The aim of the present paper is to describe and critique the methodological difficulties encountered when approaching statistical studies in tourism. The case of hidden tourism in island communities is used to illustrate that in tourism statistics there exists a lack of clarity and convention concerning definitions, procedures, measurement and analytic approaches. The conclusions and the study implications should help tourism authorities and tourism statisticians to better define and standardise methodological and measurement approaches and practices and to more effectively direct research activities towards new approaches to difficult research questions.

Keywords:

• tourism statistics
• unreported tourism
• case study
• island communities

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the reviewers and the editor for their valuable comments. The responsibility of what written remains entirely with the authors.

Notes

1. The field research that led to this paper was conducted during the authors’ participation to a national research project on hidden tourism estimation: the aims, methodology and results of the research have been published elsewhere. The present paper is the result of the joint work of the authors. However, O. Giambalvo wrote the sections ‘Statistical Methodology and Tourism Statistics’ and ‘Study Findings: Demand’ and S. Volo wrote all the remaining sections.

2. The interviewed local tourist office representatives were not able to quantify the number of unregistered rooms and/or bed-places.

3. Both the Current Issues in Method and Practice (CIMP) Editor and Channel View Publications recognise that the subject matter of this paper may be considered by some to be contentious. As such, the CIMP Editor and Channel View Publications have attempted to remove details related to the location of the research discussed in this paper. In some cases, this meant the removal of references. Neither the CIMP Editor nor the Publisher (Channel View Publications) are responsible for any use of the data and comments contained herein that may lead to the identification of businesses, governments or individuals discussed.