Volatility effects of cryptocurrencies on foreign tourism in India

Cryptocurrencies and tourism have gained traction worldwide in the last few years. However, no research has been conducted to understand the relationship between the two. This paper examines the impact of the volatility spillover effects (VSE) of cryptocurrencies on the tourism sector in India. Using monthly time-series data (from August 2015 to January 2021) of the selected cryptocurrencies and foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) and foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from foreign tourism, we assess the volatility (short and long-term) impacts of cryptocurrencies on tourism (through changes in the monthly number of FTAs in India and FEEs of India through foreign tourism). The study applies Multivariate GARCH models (BEKK-GARCH and mGJR-GARCH). The findings suggest that there is an existence of volatility connections between cryptocurrencies and foreign tourism in India. These findings have noticeable implications for policymakers to understand the importance of cryptocurrency and blockchain for tourism sector policies in India.