What Does Economic Leakage in Tourism Mean?

By Michael Ferguson

Economic leakage in tourism refers to the amount of money that leaves a destination’s economy due to tourism-related activities. In other words, it is the amount of revenue generated by tourism that does not stay within the local economy.

Causes of Economic Leakage

There are several causes of economic leakage in tourism. One of the primary reasons is that many large tourism companies are based outside the destination country. This means that profits earned by these companies go back to their home country, rather than staying within the local economy.

Another cause of economic leakage is that many tourists bring their own goods and services with them, rather than purchasing them locally. For example, a tourist may bring their own food or drink, or they may book tours or activities through a foreign-based company rather than a local one.

Impact on Local Economy

Economic leakage can have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in developing countries and small island states that rely heavily on tourism for economic growth. When money leaves the local economy, it can lead to a lack of investment in infrastructure and public services such as schools and hospitals.

Furthermore, when large international companies dominate the tourism market in a destination, it can be difficult for smaller local businesses to compete. This can lead to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few large corporations, rather than being distributed more evenly throughout the community.

  • Solutions for Economic Leakage

There are several strategies that destinations can use to reduce economic leakage and ensure that more revenue stays within the local economy.

One solution is to encourage tourists to purchase goods and services from locally owned businesses. This can be done through marketing campaigns and by providing information about local businesses in tourist guides and websites.

Another solution is to promote community-based tourism initiatives that involve local residents in creating and managing tourist experiences. This not only helps to keep money within the local economy, but it also provides a more authentic and immersive experience for tourists.

Conclusion

Economic leakage is a significant issue in the tourism industry, particularly in developing countries and small island states. By promoting local businesses and community-based tourism initiatives, destinations can help to reduce economic leakage and ensure that more revenue stays within the local economy. This can lead to greater investment in infrastructure and public services, as well as a more equitable distribution of wealth throughout the community.