Is Tourism Convergence Valid in Turkey? Evidence From Furuoka Unit Root Test

Abstract

The positive effects of tourism on the economy are gradually increasing. These positive effects force countries to seek new policies to develop the tourism sector further. Turkey has a critical position in the tourism sector, and its main policy in this area is to increase its income. This study purpose of testing the validity of the convergence hypothesis for the countries located in different continents of the world in Turkey's international tourism market. The study covering the years 2000-2020 analyzed eight groups (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, Independent States, OECD, Oceania and non-national) with the data created by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). The unit root test developed by Furuoka (2017) is used to test the validity of the convergence hypothesis. As a result of this study found model D to be the most appropriate method among the four proposed alternatives. Accordingly, it is seen that the convergence is not valid for Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is also concluded that convergence is valid for America, OECD, Non-National, Independent States and Africa.