Tourism statistics, indicators and big data: a perspective article

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the evolution of tourism data and critically debates future perspective for producers and users of tourism data. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a perspective on tourism data based on selected literature. Findings Industry developments, technological changes and novel methodologies have influenced tourism data sources. Closer attention to new data collection methods and novel analytics is required. Research limitations/implications A considerate and integrated system of tourism data (statistics, indicators, and big data) shall remain a priority for scholars and practitioners alike. Practical implications The thoughtful merging of tourists’ digital traces with industry data, the competences of data analysts and the theoretical strengths of tourism scholars will result in a redesign of the tourism data landscape. Social implications This perspective article provides a brief overview of the development and challenges related to the future use of tourism statistics, indicators and big data. Originality/value The paper offers a novel vision of tourism data by combining three different but complementary aspects of tourism data.