A systematic literature review on tourism economic indicators: a multi-layer framework for destination management

Abstract Managing tourism destinations to improve competitiveness has been on the agenda of researchers and organizations. Tools and indicators assist in evaluating tourism impacts by providing valuable data to decision-makers. However, the variety of indicators makes it challenging to select and compare them across destinations. Thus, an integrative approach is necessary. This study developed a decision-making framework to help managers monitor the economic impacts of tourism. We utilised two theoretical perspectives: destination competitiveness and the tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH). A review of Scopus and Web of Science studies identified 149 works centred on tourism monitoring from a sustainable perspective up to October 2023. From there, 2271 economic indicators were analysed. The methodology included co-word analysis and path evolution analysis, which created a multi-layer framework encompassing the dimensions: Economic value of the destination, Tourism supply, Business economic value, Tourism demand, Connected economy, and Political and institutional context. The findings emphasized the significance of the Connected economy in advancing the TLGH. They suggested going further with traditional economic indicators to include broader societal impacts, combining measurable indicators from supply, demand, and social perspectives. This analysis provides a tool for managers to move forward in line with the Beyond GDP approach and suggests standards for comparing performance across destinations. It supports the development of a toolkit for integrating tourism’s economic value across destinations, businesses, and society. For those interest groups, a future research agenda is presented in three key-managing areas: identification, measurement and action. : M100 Business Administration: General; M190 Business Administration: Other