Research Note: Better Tourism Market Analysis by Using Import Gap Analysis

Abstract

In a previous article published in this journal, the authors show that the total requirements approach to analysing a region's tourism and hospitality industry is superior to the traditional use of location quotients. This paper extends the authors' previous research by focusing on imports. It introduces the import gap analysis as a powerful, highly accurate analytical tool for use by local policymakers and economic development officials charged with identifying, targeting, and recruiting industries and businesses offering the highest opportunities for growth. The best method to define and analyse the local tourism industry is to utilize both exports and imports as a package approach.