This website uses cookies.

By clicking the "Accept" button or continuing to browse our site, you agree to first-party and session-only cookies being stored on your device to enhance site navigation and analyze site performance and traffic. For more information on our use of cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

  1. Home
  2. ASSA Annual Meeting
  3. 2026 AEA Poster Videos
  4. Matthew McKetty on tourism in developing economies

January 27, 2026

Matthew McKetty on tourism in developing economies

Do expansions in a nation’s tourism industry improve the welfare of its citizens?

Matthew McKetty is a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He sat down for an interview at the 2026 AEA poster session to talk about the growth of tourism in Jamaica and its impact on household welfare. He found that the benefits of tourism accrue largely to urban households working in mid-skilled occupations.

View Poster

 

Sun, Sand, and Services: Tourism and Household Welfare in Jamaica

Many developing economies have pursued specialization in services, such as tourism. However, there are questions about the scope of service sector industries to improve household welfare across the income distribution. I answer the question: “Are increases in the size of a nation’s tourism industry welfare improving for a nation’s citizens?” in Jamaica . . .

More videos like this . . .

The AEA interviewed select poster presenters at the 2026 conference in Philadelphia to discuss their research and the broader implications of their work. View the full list of videos.