This paper is a study of rural tourism demand in Galicia by means of panel data. The dependent variable used is the number of overnight stays. Empirical results suggest that the number of overnight stays in rural tourism establishments depends basically on economic determinants, such as the price of services in rural tourism establishments, the extent of transport (travel) costs and the economic cycle (tourists' income). The income variable exhibits the highest elasticity. Besides the influence of economic determinants, rural tourism demand depends mainly on the reputation (prestige) and peculiarities of each establishment. In light of these results, conclusions are drawn and policy implications are discussed.

After an explanation of the term ‘academic tourism’, the authors analyse the positive economic impact of academic tourism in Galicia, distinguishing between direct and indirect impacts. For the empirical application, an expenditure survey was carried out and the input–output technique was used. The results demonstrate that, owing to its characteristics, academic tourism has a greater economic impact than conventional tourism. In light of these results, the policy implications are discussed.

Although determinants of life satisfaction in older adults have been well documented, research has to date failed to fully address the experience of older adults living in places with different levels of urbanization. Furthermore, there are conflictive findings regarding the type of residence environment that offers the greatest benefits for the wellbeing of older adults. Our study proposes an integrative research model to determine the nature of the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction, with a particular focus on the living environment (rural-urban) of the older adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design volunteers (aged 60+) from rural (n = 198) and urban (n = 198) in Galicia (Spain) completed a questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction and multigroup analysis was performed to analyse the existence of differences in the relationships based on the area of residence of older adults. We found that higher levels of loneliness were a significant predictor of reduced life satisfaction and reduced self-esteem. Self-esteem not only increases life satisfaction, but also reduces the negative impact loneliness may have on it. Where the older adults lived had a significant effect on the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The relationships were stronger for older adults living in urban areas. Differentiated policy initiatives should be considered, depending on the area of residence in order to increase the life satisfaction of older adults.

The degree of capacity utilization affects the measurement of total productivity. This paper uses establishment occupancy level as a proxy for establishment capacity utilization. Accordingly, the authors decompose total factor productivity (TFP) growth into technical progress, changes in allocative efficiency, changes in occupancy levels, changes in technical efficiency and scale effects. The empirical results show that the occupancy level component offers the most important contribution to TFP. Policy implications are offered in light of the results.