Capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure and tourist arrivals in developing countries: Does the public–private sectors relationship matter?
Publication Name
Tourism Economics
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure (TELCOM) and tourist arrivals in developing countries. Additionally, it examines whether the public–private sectors relationship moderates the effect of TELCOM on inbound tourism. The model is empirically tested for 46 developing countries for the years 2005–2019. Applying system generalized method of moments and dynamic fixed-effects estimators, the results show there is a positive and significant relationship between TELCOM and tourist arrivals. We also find that a stronger relationship between the public and private sectors magnifies the positive effect of TELCOM on inbound tourism. The moderating effect of quality of regulations on TELCOM-tourism nexus is a novel finding, highlighting the important role of governments in creating and implementing sound policies and regulations that permit and promote private sector development.
Open Access Status
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