Methodological considerations for the study of economic variables affecting touristic demand

Abstract

The economic study of touristic demand as seen from the point of view of destinations is carried out through econometric models which have the aim of establishing a function of demand and quantifying the flexibility quotients of its main specifications for a particular market. ln the majority of cases, the variables to be considered are the sarne used to analyse any type of economic asset. However, there is a deeper limitation in this kind of study if we consider that touristic demand will not only be determined by
economic factors, but also by other type of variables which influence the choice of a destination: the conditions of touristic offer, the weather, resources and facilities are the main attraction factors of a destination. Also relevant are those variables seen in the process of going on a trip, such as motivation, desire, attitudes and preference of the tourists. The methodological proposal is based on the need of going deeper into the economic research of the touristic system by employing approaches that analyse its inherent complexity. It also implies facing the difficulty of lacking reliable quantitative data related with the basic variables of the activity, which is important for any research project.