Is tourism specialisation a trap for economic growth? The case of the Italian regions

Tourism activity is a pivotal driver of global economic growth in an era ofglobalisation. Yet, its ecological footprints call for urgent sustainablepractices. This paper enriches intricate interconnections between tourism,economic growth, and sustainability. Novel insights bridge gaps inunderstanding the effects of domestic and international tourism, regionalheterogeneities, and spill-over effects, focusing on Italian regions (2004–2019). Based on a new neoclassical model, this study integrates keyindicators beyond Gross Domestic Product and physical capital,encompassing sustainability (renewable energy) and human capital withinthe KLEM (Capital, Labour, Energy, Materials) specification. Theseframeworks assess multifaceted dynamics and raise questions aboutwhether high tourism specialisation can lead to a trap for economicgrowth, development and, ultimately, socio-economic inequalities.Significantly, the research uncovers notable regional heterogeneities, andspill-over effects, shedding light on distinct economic trajectories andchallenges, triggering the pursuit of resilience strategies. By highlightingintricate tourism-economy-sustainability connections, this study advancessustainable tourism understanding, urging a delicate balance betweentourism’s economic benefits and ecosystem concerns. It emphasises theneed for eco-conscious practices and economic diversification to ensureharmonious development, aligning with the SDG agenda (UN, 2024)