International tourism demand in Tunisia: Evidence from dynamic panel data model

The purpose of this paper is to identify and study the main determinants of international tourism demand with special reference to Tunisia over the period 1994–2012. The empirical study is based on estimations of GMM dynamic panel data model. Using a sample of 47 generating countries, empirical results show that consumer loyalty is a key determinant for foreign tourism demand in Tunisia. Estimated prices elasticities suggest that Tunisian tourism is surprisingly considered by foreigners as a luxury service and provide evidence that Tunisia and Morocco are substitute destinations. According to the supply induced demand theory, our investigation reveals that Tunisia is able to boost international tourism flows by promoting the tourism supply especially the accommodation capacity and the air supply.