Author(s)

Zhang Qiong, Deng Chen

Corresponding Author

Zhang Qiong

Abstract

The determinants of international tourism demand are country-specific, and the variables’ elasticity varies by destinations. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify critical determinants of tourism demand for Japan. The empirical analysis indicates that the effect of word-of-mouth and effective relative price are significant factors in the tourism demand determination, whilst the effective substitute price, openness and transport cost show no impact on tourism demand. It is also found that external shocks caused by Japan's natural disasters and Sino-Japanese relations have a significant impact on the demand for Chinese citizens to travel to Japan.

Keywords

International tourism demand, Tourism demand models, Japan.