Understanding the Economic Impact of Tourism in the Asian Pacific Region Using the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA)
David Mc.A Baker

Abstract
The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is a unique tool now available to policymakers in many countries to document the direct Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment contributions of tourism to national economies. The purpose of this study was to examine the main economic benefits and costs associated with tourism in the Asian Pacific region and to highlight the difficulties associated with their measurement using the Tourism Satellite Account. In the Asian and Pacific countries, the development of the TSA is an important step in obtaining world recognition and support. The results of this study show that a number of countries are already using TSA or in the process of initiating its use. Equally however, there are deficiencies in the information base, some of which will need to be addressed in order to advance the use of TSAs in the Asian Pacific region.

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