What Is Leakage in Tourism and Hospitality?

By Michael Ferguson

Leakage in Tourism and Hospitality: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re involved in the tourism and hospitality industry, you’ve probably come across the term “leakage” at some point. Leakage refers to the money that leaves a destination’s economy due to the purchase of goods and services from outside sources. In other words, it’s the amount of money that doesn’t stay within a destination’s local economy.

Leakage can occur in various forms, such as importing goods or services from other countries or regions, hiring foreign employees, or outsourcing business activities to companies outside the destination’s boundaries. Although leakage may not seem like a significant problem at first glance, it can have severe implications for a destination’s economy.

Here are some of the effects of leakage on tourism and hospitality:

1. Reduced Economic Growth
When money leaks out of an economy, it reduces the amount of capital available for investment in local businesses and infrastructure. This lack of investment can lead to reduced economic growth, which makes it harder for destinations to attract new businesses and tourists.

2. Job Losses
Leakage can also result in job losses due to decreased demand for locally produced goods and services. This can have a ripple effect on the local economy as unemployed individuals have less money to spend on their basic needs.

3. Decreased Competitiveness
Destinations with high levels of leakage may struggle to compete with other destinations that have more robust local economies. This is because these destinations may not be able to offer competitive prices or high-quality products and services due to their limited resources.

So how can destinations reduce leakage? Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Encourage Local Sourcing

One way to reduce leakage is by encouraging businesses within a destination to source their products and services locally. This strategy helps keep money within the local economy while also promoting the growth of local businesses.

2. Develop Local Supply Chains

Destinations can also work to develop local supply chains that provide businesses with access to locally produced goods and services. This approach not only reduces leakage but also helps create new jobs and supports the growth of local industries.

3. Support Local Entrepreneurs

Another way to reduce leakage is by supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This can include providing funding or training to help businesses get started or expand their operations.

In conclusion, leakage is a significant issue for destinations in the tourism and hospitality industry. By understanding the implications of leakage and implementing strategies to reduce it, destinations can help promote economic growth, create new jobs, and improve their overall competitiveness.