Tourism Endowments, Institution Quality, and Inbound Tourists: A Panel Analysis of ASEAN

Abstract

This study empirically examines the impact of the tourism endowments, institution quality, and its sub-components on inbound tourists in the Association of Southeast Asia Nation (ASEAN) member states using the fixed-effect model and panel data set from 2007–2017. The results show that the tourism endowment index and institution quality are essential factors that encourage inbound tourists to visit individual ASEAN member states. I further examine inbound tourists’ responses to each sub-component of institution quality. I corroborate that most of the sub-components of institution quality play an essential role in promoting inbound tourism in individual ASEAN member states. Other variables, such as China’s GDP per capita, foreign direct investment (FDIs), and single-entry visa schemes, show positive and significant impacts on inbound tourists in individual ASEAN member states. Therefore, these results aid the government and the policymakers in ASEAN member states to provide additional, appropriate tourism strategic development plans and policies.

Keywords

• inbound tourists
• institution quality
• ASEAN