Second seminar of the Tourism Economics in Focus: IATE Research Seminar Series, delivered by Prof. Andreu Sansó (University of the Balearic Islands).

Title: The truth is hidden behind the first visit: Lenght-biased right-censored count data samples: Application to repeat visitations

Abstract: 

We consider a simple non-parametric model that generates random count data observations, focusing on the case where samples are both length-biased (i.e., larger values have a higher probability of being observed) and right-censored. We apply this framework to the context of repeated visitations, showing that the sample is unbiased if and only if the distribution of repetitions follows a geometric distribution. Moreover, the usual sample mean of the repetitions is generally an inconsistent estimator. To address this issue, we propose a very simple and consistent estimator of the population mean of repetitions in (biased) right-censored samples, which remains valid even for truncated distributions. We further demonstrate that this bias affects the estimation of moments, not only of the distribution of repetitions but also of other variables related to the repetitions. This implies that OLS estimators in regression models involving repeated visitations are inconsistent. Therefore, we propose estimators based on the Method of Moments that are robust to these biases. Monte Carlo experiments confirm our theoretical findings. Finally, we illustrate the application of the proposed methods using a dataset of repeated visitations to a tourism destination. The results of our research not only call into question all the applied results where repeat visit is modeled
or used as a regressor, but also the correct interpretation of the repeat visit averages published by official statistical agencies.

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

🕒 Time: 3:00 PM CEST (UTC +2) (Central European Summer Time),

🌐 Format: Online — open to all

Teams Link

We look forward to seeing you there!

For any queries, please contact the seminar organizers: veronica.leoni@uib.es & oriol.anguera@cett.cat

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