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Modelling tourists’ length of stay

Author

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  • Christer Thrane

    (Lillehammer University College, Norway)

Abstract

Modelling of tourists’ length of stay (LOS) is an expanding topic of study. A common thread in this literature is the use of sophisticated statistical/econometric methods. The present study builds on and extends an article critical of the statistical craftsmanship in prior LOS modelling studies. On the basis of an updated assessment of current practice and two small-scale case studies, two main conclusions are drawn. First, the available evidence suggests that the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model produces qualitatively similar findings to much more complicated methods, such as duration and count data models. The principle of parsimony and the so-called KISS rule thus dictate that OLS regression analysis should be the preferred estimation technique in LOS modelling studies. Second, the quality of LOS modelling studies will most likely be improved by intensifying the use of the long-established tools of the trade explicated in influential econometric textbooks rather than by testing new estimation methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Christer Thrane, 2016. "Modelling tourists’ length of stay," Tourism Economics, , vol. 22(6), pages 1352-1366, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:toueco:v:22:y:2016:i:6:p:1352-1366
    DOI: 10.5367/te.2015.0489
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alén, Elisa & Nicolau, Juan Luis & Losada, Nieves & Domínguez, Trinidad, 2014. "Determinant factors of senior tourists’ length of stay," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 19-32.
    2. Peter Kennedy, 2003. "A Guide to Econometrics, 5th Edition," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 5, volume 1, number 026261183x, April.
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    4. Juan Gabriel Brida & Marta Meleddu & Manuela Pulina, 2013. "Factors Influencing Length of Stay of Cultural Tourists," Tourism Economics, , vol. 19(6), pages 1273-1292, December.
    5. Peypoch, Nicolas & Randriamboarison, Rado & Rasoamananjara, Fy & Solonandrasana, Bernardin, 2012. "The length of stay of tourists in Madagascar," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(5), pages 1230-1235.
    6. Koenker, Roger W & Bassett, Gilbert, Jr, 1978. "Regression Quantiles," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 46(1), pages 33-50, January.
    7. Ferrer-Rosell, Berta & Martínez-Garcia, Esther & Coenders, Germà, 2014. "Package and no-frills air carriers as moderators of length of stay," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 114-122.
    8. Grigolon, Anna B. & Borgers, Aloys W.J. & Kemperman, Astrid D.A.M. & Timmermans, Harry J.P., 2014. "Vacation length choice: A dynamic mixed multinomial logit model," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 158-167.
    9. repec:bla:jecsur:v:16:y:2002:i:4:p:569-89 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Peter E. Kennedy, 2002. "Sinning in the Basement: What are the Rules? The Ten Commandments of Applied Econometrics," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(4), pages 569-589, September.
    11. Thrane, Christer, 2012. "Analyzing tourists’ length of stay at destinations with survival models: A constructive critique based on a case study," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 126-132.
    12. Christer Thrane & Eivind Farstad, 2012. "Tourists' Length of Stay: The Case of International Summer Visitors to Norway," Tourism Economics, , vol. 18(5), pages 1069-1082, October.
    13. Christer Thrane, 2014. "Modelling Micro-Level Tourism Expenditure: Recommendations on the Choice of Independent Variables, Functional Form and Estimation Technique," Tourism Economics, , vol. 20(1), pages 51-60, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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