Tourism linkages in Southern Europe: an assessment of economic interdependence

This study investigates the economic role of tourism in selected Southern European Union economies using OECD input – output tables and the Leontief framework, covering Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain over 2010–2022. The analysis estimates output multipliers, backward and forward linkages, and sectoral production effects associated with tourism demand. Results indicate considerable cross-country variation: Italy and Malta demonstrate stronger integration of tourism within domestic production networks, while Croatia, Greece and Cyprus show weaker intersectoral linkages and greater import dependency. Sectoral effects are most evidenced in air transport, construction, and wholesale and retail trade. The findings highlight structural disparities in tourism-driven economic integration and suggest that strengthening domestic supply chains could enhance the broader economic contribution of tourism.