A growing interest has recently developed in the tourism industry and its impact on state and local economies. Unlike other industries that are indigenous to an area, no clear yardstick of economic performance exists to measure tourism. This article proposes the tourism barometer as a workable measure of this industry, using the Arizona example as a means of examining the concept—the development, initial results, assumed benefits, and most notable weaknesses.
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References
1.
See, for example the time series information published in Travel Trends in the U. S. and Canada, (Boulder, Colorado : Business Research Division, University of Colorado , 1975 ).
2.
For example, see estimates produced by the Economic Research Department, Valley National Bank; and Frank Kerns, Arizona Industry Reports, No. 7, Bureau of Business Research, College of Business Administration, 1968; and U.S. Travel Data Center.
3.
M.E. Bond and Stephen C. Hora , The Arizona Tourism and Travel Industry, (Tempe: Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Arizona State University, May 1976).
4.
A.L. Bowley , Elements of Statistics, (Fifth edition; London) p. 196.
Minnesota Tourist-Travel Indicators, Minnesota Research Bulletin No. 16, ( St. Paul: Department of Economic Development, November 1976).
7.
Vermont Vacation Travel Indicators, Agency of Development and Community Affairs, March 1978.
8.
College of Business Administration, Louisiana Business Review, (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University, February 1978) p. 14.
9.
College of Business Administration, Georgia Business, (Athens: University of Georgia, May-June 1977) p. 5.
10.
Marketing Bulletin, (Las Vegas: Las Vegas Convention/ Visitors Authority, September 1977).
11.
Bureau of Business Research, School of Business Administration, Williamsburg Business Index, ( Williamsburg, Virginia: College of William and Mary , April 1977).
12.
Thomas E. Shipman , "Estimation of Visitor Volume and Expenditures in San Diego Using a Visitor Activity Model," (San Diego : San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, September 1976).
13.
Travel Printout, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Travel Data Center, June 1977).
