What Is Meant by Tourism Satellite Account?

By Anna Duncan

If you are involved in the tourism industry, you may have heard of the term “Tourism Satellite Account” or TSA. But what exactly does it mean?

What is a Tourism Satellite Account?

A Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is a statistical framework used to measure the economic contribution of tourism to a country’s economy. It provides an estimate of the size, structure, and performance of the tourism industry by analyzing its impact on various economic factors such as employment, income, and gross domestic product (GDP).

How is TSA Calculated?

The TSA uses a specific set of definitions and classifications to determine which economic activities should be included in its analysis. It takes into account both direct and indirect effects of tourism on the economy.

Direct effects refer to activities that are directly related to serving tourists such as accommodation, transportation, and food services. Indirect effects refer to activities that are indirectly related to tourism such as manufacturing and construction.

To calculate TSA, data is collected from various sources such as government agencies, businesses, and surveys. This data is then analyzed using an internationally recognized framework developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

  • Direct Contribution: This includes all goods and services produced directly by the tourism industry.
  • Indirect Contribution: This includes all goods and services produced indirectly by the tourism industry.
  • Total Contribution: This includes both direct and indirect contributions.

Why is TSA important?

The TSA provides valuable information for policymakers, businesses, and investors in the tourism sector. It helps them understand the economic impact of tourism on a country’s economy and make informed decisions about policies and investments.

For example, if a country’s TSA shows that the tourism industry is a significant contributor to its economy, policymakers may implement policies to support the industry further. This could include initiatives to improve infrastructure, promote tourism, and provide training and education to people working in the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Tourism Satellite Account is an essential tool for measuring the economic impact of tourism on a country’s economy. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the industry’s direct and indirect contributions to employment, income, and GDP. By understanding the importance of TSA, policymakers and businesses can make informed decisions about how to support and grow the tourism sector.