Near East University researchers Deka and Ödeşer have made a substantial contribution to the academic discourse through their co-authored study exploring the intricate relationship between tourism development, economic growth, and environmental quality. The research utilizes the short-run and long-run autoregressive distributive lag model to delve into the dynamics of these interconnected variables.
The study underscores the pivotal role of tourism development in enhancing a nation’s economic growth, acknowledging, however, its potential negative impact on environmental quality due to extensive use of non-renewable energy sources. The findings reveal a nuanced picture, showcasing that renewable energy (RE) usage and gross domestic product (GDP) have a negative impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in South Africa. Additionally, tourism arrivals and CO2 emissions negatively affect GDP, while capital positively influences GDP in the long run.
Theoretical contributions of the research align with the Cobb–Douglas theory, emphasizing capital as a primary driver for improving GDP growth. Furthermore, the study introduces novel insights, suggesting that tourism arrivals and CO2 emissions significantly influence GDP negatively in the South African context.
Practical implications emanating from the research advocate for the adoption of renewable energy sources, given their potential to reduce carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the study cautions against the detrimental effects of non-renewable energy sources on the environment. Moreover, the research emphasizes the importance of enhancing capital as a crucial factor driving economic growth.
The robustness of the study is underscored by its utilization of long-period time series data spanning from 1971 to 2019, addressing potential multicollinearity issues. The application of the ARDL technique provides both short-run and long-run coefficients, offering valuable insights for policy implications.
In conclusion, the study’s comprehensive analysis sheds light on the complex interplay between tourism, economic growth, and environmental considerations. As Near East University researchers contribute to the global discourse, the findings emphasize the significance of sustainable practices, particularly the promotion of renewable energy use, for fostering economic growth while mitigating environmental impact. Future research avenues are suggested to further explore these relationships in diverse global contexts using various methodological approaches.
More Information:
