Does trade facilitation promote the efficiency of inbound tourism?—The empirical test based on Japan

Abstract

AbstractThis study explores the intrinsic correlation between trade facilitation and the efficiency of inbound tourism in Japan based on the data from 2011 to 2017. Findings suggest that Japan's inbound tourism is strongly dependent on the Asian market. The number and rate of growth of sightseeing tourists is higher than those of other types. China has become the biggest source of inbound tourism for Japan. The stochastic frontier gravity and fixed‐effect regression show that the increase in the level of trade facilitation of different inbound tourist source countries (regions) has promoted the efficiency of inbound tourism in Japan. Furthermore, trade facilitation has played a significant role in improving the efficiency of the inbound business tourism market. The increase in Japan's international tourism income and air transport capacity has strengthened its comprehensive supply capacity for the tourism industry. Lastly, visa‐free policies have also boosted inbound tourism efficiency.