Migration Mobility, Tourism Mobility and Development: A Geographical Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.045Keywords:
Migration, Tourism, Mobility, Development, Geographical PerspectiveAbstract
The connection between migration mobility and tourism mobility has been a subject of many scholarly discussions in the literature. The two forms of mobility contribute in a significant way to the socio-economic development of many countries. This paper examines the geographical perspective of migration mobility and tourism mobility and their contribution to development. Secondary data sources, involving texts, documents, and internet resources, were analyzed thematically. The paper reviews the related concepts of mobility, tourism, and development. It further analyses the relationship that exists among theories of migration mobility, tourism mobility and development, assesses migration, tourism, and development interconnectedness, prospects and challenges. As a way of conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need for the government’s policies and programmes to be tailored in the direction of assisting in the promotion of development through migration and tourism mobilities.
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