Quantifying the Impacts of the Recent Economic Crisis on Regional Tourism Industry and Economy

The purpose of this study is to explore the accuracy issue of the Input-Output model in quantifying the impacts of the 2007 economic crisis on a local tourism industry and economy. Though the model has been used in the tourism impact analysis, its estimation accuracy is rarely verified empirically. The Metro Orlando area in Florida is investigated as an empirical study, and the negative change in visitor expenditure between 2007 and 2008 is taken as the direct shock. The total impacts are assessed in terms of output and employment, and are compared with the actual data. This study finds that there are surprisingly large discrepancies among the estimated and actual results, and the Input-Output model appears to overestimate the negative impacts. By investigating the local economic activities during the study period, this study made some exploratory efforts in explaining such discrepancies. Theoretical and practical implications are then suggested.

The Beacon, February 14, 2011

Vol. 22, Issue 14, 8 pages

Miami Interpretive Center

The rapid growth and diversity of the City of Miami has left its inhabitants somewhat lost in a city with much to offer. The challenge of this thesis is to provide Miami with an architectural proposal that enhances an understanding of its own urban context through both its form and function. Specifically, the Miami Interpretive Center (M.I.C.) will offer the community a research center for the study of the city, as well as a cultural and exhibition center to allow for the expression of its ever-changing character. With the use of historical context, site relationship and taking advantage of views, the M.I.C. will teach its users and provide a better understanding of the city. The goal of the M.I.C. is to establish a center for the continued analysis of the city origins, and growth, while serving as a basis for future initiatives. It will invite the public to seek a new context for the investigation of the natural, urban, cultural, spiritual and political environment that formed the city while participating in the shaping of its future.