Political factors

Governments profoundly influence the economic climate in which tourism operates. Governments influence infrastructure, taxation policies, visitor entry requirements, foreign investment policy, etc.

Role of government:
- control movements of people - influence economic climate - general economic policy
- Facilitating visitor entry
- control land-use zoning
- taxes
- formation of trade blocs
- enforce quarantine
- Government promotion of tourism
- Investment in infrastructure
- Regulation and control - particularly after Sept 11, and Bali bombing
- Political instability/ Peace and security/risk of terror attacks

Iceland plans Airbnb restrictions amid tourism explosion

Political instability - In 2003, International tourism fell by 1.2% which was the biggest drop ever at that time. This was attributed to the IRA conflict and the after effects of the 2002 Bali Bombing as well as the September 11 attacks in 2001 (other factors included the SARS epidemic and the weak global economy).

Iran opens door to tourists as Rouhani fosters thaw in relations with the west.
Iran prepares for Western invasion as thaw in relations with the outside world boosts tourism industry

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Tourism in Mali fades away as instability leads to hardship

Egypt crisis hits tourism and economy

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