Evolutionary economic geography: a new path for tourism studies?

Abstract

Evolutionary economic geography (EEG) is an emerging theoretical framework which attempts to better understand long-term economic change and why it differs between regions. Tourism geographers are showing increasing interest in EEG with a growing number of publications and conference presentations on EEG applications within tourism studies. This article briefly sets out the conceptual background to EEG and how it relates to extant studies within tourism, drawing on examples from the literature on tourism studies and evolutionary research. A concise list of some actionable areas for EEG studies within tourism is presented as well as an appraisal of the theoretical particularities of applying EEG within tourism studies. EEG is shown to be a new path with much potential for tourism research.