Abromaite, SaruneKuslys, MariusCorreia, RicardoVenciute, Dominyka2026-02-242026-02-242025Abromaite, S.; Kuslys, M.; Correia, R.; Venciute, D. (2025). Unveiling the power of culture: a catalyst for tourism growth in OECD countries. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events. ISSN 1940-7963, p. 1-131940-7963http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35847This study explores the relationship between the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and inbound tourism across 29 OECD countries from 1998 to 2022. By employing econometric analyses of panel data, including pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects, and random effects (RE), the research addresses a notable gap in empirical evidence concerning the macroeconomic impact of CCIs. The findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation: a 1% growth in the cultural sector is associated with an increase of more than 0.7% in international tourist arrivals. These results highlight the strategic importance of CCIs in enhancing tourism and emphasize the crucial role of public policy in fostering cultural development as a pathway to sustainable economic growth. This empirical validation deepens our theoretical understanding of culture-driven tourism growth and offers valuable guidance for destination managers and public institutions in crafting cohesive, cross-sectoral policies.engTourism developmentCultural policyOECD countriesInbound tourismjournal article10.1080/19407963.2025.2532168