Uses and abuses of IMPLAN in economic impact studies of tourism events and facilities in the United States: a perspective article

Abstract

Purpose

An overview of the IMPLAN input/output model which is the dominant economic impact model used in the USA, focused on the ways it is abused.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of the literature.

Findings

25 ways in which IMPLAN is abused.

Research limitations/implications

Continued refinement of IMPLAN in the USA; potential of its extension to other contexts.

Practical implications

Beware it is frequently used to confirm an advocacy position of those who commission studies, rather than a search for truth.

Social implications

Profound potential for creating falsified outcomes to support sponsor advocacy.

Originality/value

Synopsis of IMPLAN literature and identification of abuses.

Citation

Crompton, J. (2020), "Uses and abuses of IMPLAN in economic impact studies of tourism events and facilities in the United States: a perspective article", Tourism Review, Vol. 75 No. 1, pp. 187-190. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-05-2019-0159