ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CULTURAL TOURISM ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VISITOR SPENDING AND EMPLOYMENT

Abstract

This study investigates the economic impact of cultural tourism on local communities by analyzing tourist spending, employment opportunities, and revenue generation using SPSS statistical analysis. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (0.679) between tourist numbers and local revenue, highlighting tourism’s significant contribution to local economies. However, the weak correlation (0.213) between visitor spending and employment suggests that tourism alone cannot drive job creation, emphasizing the need for skill development and workforce support. Future research could explore long-term effects, cross-country comparisons, and the role of digital tourism in promoting sustainable economic growth.