Factors Influencing Tourism Expenditure on Accommodation in World Heritage Cities

Abstract

In recent years, scientific literature has shown special interest in the identification of the factors that influence tourism expenditure, especially in cultural destinations. However, very few studies of this type have been undertaken in World Heritage Cities. Taking the case of Úbeda and Baeza, two cities in southern Spain which were declared World Heritage Sites in 2003, and using a multivariate double-hurdle model, which allows firstly the analysis of the probability of spending and then the quantification of that spending, it has been possible to identify the factors that influence tourism expenditure on accommodation in this type of destination. The results obtained are highly significant for policymakers, destination managers and businesses since they can inform decision-making by these groups with respect to the activities required in order to increase tourism expenditure in this type of city.