Accounting for the carbon associated with regional tourism consumption

This paper examines the carbon footprint associated with tourism spending in a regional economy. Using an input–output framework, the method adopted permits an analysis of the carbon embodied in both domestically produced and imported goods and services consequent on tourism consumption in the region. In this way the analysis comprises a statement of environmental externalities which can be set beside a developing Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) framework and which also provides useful information on selected externalities associated with tourism consumption.

► We identify the problems involved in accounting for the carbon footprint of tourism consumption.
► Paper develops a method for better understanding the carbon consequences of different types of tourism consumption.
► Approach is applied to Wales a region of the UK, and tourism management and policy implications are investigated.