Is there a nexus between tourism development and energy transition in Asia-Pacific countries?

This paper examines the impact of tourism development on energy intensity and clean energy in 23 Asia-Pacific countries from 2000 to 2019. To ensure robust findings, both ordinary least squares (OLS) and quantile regression were applied. The findings reveal a long-term equilibrium relationship between tourism development, urbanisation, income, industrialisation, and energy transition. OLS results indicate that tourism contributes to energy efficiency while reducing clean energy use. Similarly, the quantile regression results are consistent with the OLS findings, particularly at the median and higher quantiles. These results suggest that while tourism enhances energy efficiency in Asia-Pacific countries, it limits the adoption of clean energy. To address this dual impact, policymakers should implement incentives that capitalise on tourism sector's ability to increase energy efficiency (supporting SDG-7.3), while also removing barriers to clean energy adoption (fulfilling SDG-7.2). Additionally, governments can collaborate with tourism stakeholders to develop sector-specific policies and promote environmentally responsible tourist practices.