Developing a thriving domestic tourism sector in emerging economies: a horizon 2050 paper

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue for the development of a vibrant domestic tourism sector in emerging economies as a means of moving towards a more sustainable tourism sector and achieving many of the goals outlined in the UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Design/methodology/approach It uses a perspective approach through a critical state-of-the-art review of selected domestic and international tourism studies. Findings This paper illustrates how developing such a sector will provide a range of economic and social benefits to emerging economies and their residents, as well as lowering the per-capita tourism carbon footprint of destination areas. Practical implications This study identifies policy initiatives that can be developed to help emerging economies transition from an international tourism focus to a more balanced focus. Social implications This study indicates the social benefits of developing a domestic tourism sector in emerging economies. Originality/value It equips national tourism organisations and small and medium tourism enterprises with specific actions for the use of tourism as a prosperity tool in the pursuance of these benefits. It, further, calls for a research agenda on investigating how emerging economies are uniquely progressing towards this global goal through thriving domestic tourism recognising that each economy is culturally different.