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Going the distance? A meta-analysis of the deterring effect of distance in tourism

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas de Graaff

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Tinbergen Institute)

  • Elisa Panzera

    (Politecnico di Milano)

  • Henri L. F. de Groot

    (University of Amsterdam and Tinbergen Institute)

Abstract

This meta-analysis summarizes and explains the variation in the deterring effect of distance on tourism flows by analyzing 870 estimates from 139 primary studies utilizing data covering the last 25 years. We find substantial heterogeneity among studies that mostly correlates with (unobserved) study characteristics, estimation methods, and locations of origin and destination. We confirm previous findings that the mean total distance-decay effect, using preferred methods and datastructures, is close to a unit elasticity in absolute value (-0.99). However, when controlling for mediator variables, we find that the direct, physical, distance-decay effect is significantly lower (-0.83). This distance-decay effect is remarkably stable over the last 25 years and reveals a positive relation between distance and the total amount of tourists.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas de Graaff & Elisa Panzera & Henri L. F. de Groot, 2025. "Going the distance? A meta-analysis of the deterring effect of distance in tourism," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 25-031/VIII, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20250031
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    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • Z32 - Other Special Topics - - Tourism Economics - - - Tourism and Development

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