An econometric model for the determinants of the international tourism demand : the case of Egypt

Abstract EN

Tourism industry has been an important contributor to the Egyptian economy.

Egypt is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Middle East region.

The purpose of this study is to recognize and measure the impact of the main determinants on the international tourism flows to Egypt .

A tourism model was estimated and the results revealed several factors to be main determinants of international tourist arrivals to Egypt.

The annual panel data set includes the number of arrivals from the ten most important generating countries during the period 2002 -2010, and a number of possible explanatory variables.

The study recommended infrastructure improvements, maintaining a competitive exchange rate and price stability are important factors for attracting tourists to Egypt.

Focus can also be placed on facilitating regional integration within the African continent to encourage tourists to visit Egypt.