Research Seminar delivered by Prof. Gang Li

On 14 February 2025, Prof. Gang Li, a distinguished Professor of Tourism Economics and Director of International Relations and the Centre for Competitiveness of the Visitor Economy at the University of Surrey, delivered a compelling research seminar titled “Tourism Demand and Destination Competitiveness: A Spatial Spillover Perspective.” The seminar was attended by faculty members and students from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and members of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT). Prof. Li, who serves on the International Advisory Committee of RCDTT, was recognized as one of the world’s top 1% Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate in 2024.

During the seminar, Prof. Li explored the complex relationship between tourism demand and destination competitiveness, focusing on spatial spillover effects among neighboring destinations. His research underscores the importance of understanding how tourism demand in one area can impact the competitiveness of nearby regions, highlighting the interconnected nature of international tourism. Prof. Li introduced an innovative methodology for assessing relative competitiveness, which takes into account the interactions between competing and complementary destinations.

Utilizing empirical data from various Asian destinations, the study employed spatio-temporal econometric models to analyze demand systems. This approach enabled both local and global estimations, allowing for the identification of net spillover effects of tourism demand and pricing on destination competitiveness. The findings from this research make a significant contribution to the existing literature on destination competitiveness and tourism demand analysis, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Prof. Li's work not only advances academic understanding but also provides practical implications for enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations in a rapidly evolving global market. The seminar was an enlightening experience that fostered engaging discussions among attendees about the future of tourism economics and the importance of collaborative strategies in enhancing destination competitiveness.