The flying geese model suggests that the economic growth of a prospering country spillovers to neighboring countries throughspatial externality. The model implies that Asian growth has benefitted from a leading prospering country that transmits its economic prosperity to its neighbors. Although the pattern ofAsian growth as described in the model is well accepted andvisualized, it is hard to find an empirical support based on the spatial growth regression. In this regard, this study empirically investigates the flying geese model, by applying a Spatial Durbin model to a panel of Asian countries over the period 1950 2019.The study explores whether the income of a country converges on its near economic center closely tied through international trade and foreign direct investment. The study also investigates the impact of various geographical and institutional factors that influence the convergency between the countries.

JEL Classification Codes: C21; O19; O47 Keywords: Economic growth; Convergency; Spatial externality, Spatial Durbin Model 

Dr. JungyunHur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration at California State University, Sacramento, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and an MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management.

Dr. Hur has extensive experience in both academia and the hospitality and tourism industry, specializing in service management, market analytics, and sustainable tourism development. She actively collaborates with industry professionals and academic peers to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in hospitality and tourism management. Her research explores a wide range of topics, including tourism marketing, service experience design, consumer decision-making, and destination management strategies. Her research has been published in leading academic journals, and she serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for prominent publications in the fields of hospitality and tourism.

He published several books and numerous papers in academic journals including the Cambridge Journal of economics. As a visiting scholar, he has been affiliated with Columbia University in 2009, the University of Cambridge in 2018, and Seoul National University in 2019. He also serves as a co-editor of The Japanese Political economy.

Tourism is one of the world’s most dynamic industries, shaping economies, cultures, and environments. However, as global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and cultural erosion become more pressing, sustainable tourism has emerged as a crucial strategy for fostering long-term resilience and inclusive growth. In this keynote, Dr. Hur will explore how sustainable tourism can serve as a powerful tool for social inclusion, economic innovation, and community regeneration. She will discuss how well-planned tourism initiatives can empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and drive economic opportunities while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts.

By integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, Dr. Hur’s keynote will provide valuable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and scholars looking to harness the potential of tourism for positive social and economic change. The session will inspire new perspectives on how sustainability-driven tourism can not only mitigate challenges but also create a pathway toward a more inclusive and innovative future.