THE CONTEMPORARY METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND THEORIES EXPLAINING INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FLOWS

Zorina SISCAN, Stela CAZACU Universitatea de Stat din Moldova

Abstract

Proceeding from the fact that international tourism is in permanent growth the last decades, and contributes significantly to the development of contemporary national economies, the authors of the article have focused on methodological and theoretical frame that allows deeper understanding of the touristic flows from various aspects. In doing so, the first author has launched some methodological approaches that allow deepening a perspective research on touristic flows while the second author has concentrated upon grouping and analysis of existing theories used to explain touristic flows. As an outcome, the authors recommend a blend of those approaches and theories to be used for an adequate understanding and managing the existing and perspective touristic flows. Keywords: international tourism, synergy, paradigmatic approach, megatrend, destination image, determinant factor, gravity theory.