Energy transition shocks and tourism resilience in Spain: A quantile connectedness analysis (2019–2024)

This study analyzes the dynamic interdependence between tourism activity, energy transition variables, and macroeconomic uncertainty in Spain from 2019 to 2024. Using a Quantile Connectedness Approach based on a Quantile Vector Autoregression (QVAR) model, it captures asymmetric and state-dependent spillovers among tourism emissions, jet fuel and carbon prices, inflation, and uncertainty indicators. Results show that the tourism–energy nexus forms a highly interconnected system whose intensity varies across market regimes. During crises, energy and uncertainty variables dominate as shock transmitters, while in recovery phases, air tourism regains influence, supporting system reactivation. Jet fuel and carbon prices are key transmission channels linking tourism and macroeconomic volatility, with inflation and policy uncertainty amplifying effects. Carbon pricing evolves from a volatility source to a stabilizing mechanism as transition expectations consolidate. The findings highlight asymmetric resilience in tourism and provide insights into policies aligning tourism recovery with energy transition and climate goals.