Impacts of low-cost carriers’ development in the Asia-Pacific region on tourism, economic development and social wellbeing: a systematic review

Abstract

This review undertook a systematic examination of 82 journal articles, focused on identifying the impacts of low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific region on tourism, economic development and social wellbeing. The analysis determined that the development of low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific region has had 19 beneficial impacts on the tourism sector, economic activities and social welfare, as shown by increased tourism demand, the stimulation of regional economic growth, reduced airfares and improved affordability of air travel for lower-income to middle-income communities. Furthermore, this study proposed potential research directions and areas to guide future academic investigations and inform policy and decision-making with respect to the low-cost carriers’ future development and operations.