Economic impacts of theme-park development by input-output analysis: A process toward local industrialization of leisure services

The economic impact of leisure park development in Japan is analyzed by input-output analysis. Significant impact is identified in the industrial sectors ‘construction’ and ‘light electricity’ before opening, and ‘services’ after opening. The structures of inter-industry relations are discussed in the context of land use, political support, and the quality of experience. The issue of deregulation for the rational development of leisure parks and promotion of local industry is identified as particularly important. The study concludes that it would be of advantage to the cause of leisure development to identify more accurately and more systematically the effect of leisure developments on inter-industry relations in the local economy, by more widespread use of input-output analysis.