Air Transport and Tourism: Exploring Trends and Dynamics of Interdependence

Air transport and tourism are inextricably linked to each other. Although some segments in tourism may not involve air transport for reasons related to short distance (e.g. domestic tourism and ‘staycation’), touring preferences (e.g. coach, rail and boat trips including cruises) or even to a negative stance primarily due to environmental concerns (e.g. slow tourism), the very emergence of mass leisure tourism and business travel since the 1960s has been largely associated with technological progress (i.e. rise of jet aircraft) and market developments (i.e. deregulation and liberalization) in air transportation. This presentation will explore trends and dynamics in this complex, interdependent relationship and discuss an analytical framework based on microeconomics and economic geography tools to highlight the implications of air transport accessibility for tourism development. Moreover, it will examine the airline – airport – tourism destination authority systemic relationship thus showcasing the importance of effective stakeholder management to address conflicts, capitalize on synergies and rejuvenate air transport and tourism in the post COVID-19 business environment to the benefit of all those involved.