An econometric study on Japanese tourist arrivals in British Columbia and its implications

Abstract

A econometric model was developed to study Japanese tourist arrivals in British Columbia. Based on quarterly tourist arrival statistics, this study also examined the stability of the parameters of the model over nine holding periods. It was found that the income and habit variables were significant in all the nine holding periods while the exchange rate variable only contributed to the explanation of the dependent variable in two particular periods. The study also found that the number of Japanese tourists has reached full capacity in the summer season, but there is still potential for growth in the winter season. Implicatikons of the findings to the development of the Japanese tourists market in British Columbia were discussed.