Division 4 Travel

The component of EBOPS 2010 differs from most internationally traded services in that it is transactor-based. Unlike most services in EBOPS, travel is not a specific product; rather, it encompasses a range of goods and services consumed by non-residents in the economy that they visit. Travel is defined as covering goods and services for own use or to be given away, acquired from an economy, by non-residents during visits to that economy. It covers stays of any length, provided that there is no change in residence.

The most common goods and services entered under travel are accommodation, food, beverages and transport purchased within the economy visited (all of which are consumed in the supplying economy). Gifts, souvenirs and other articles that are purchased for own use and that may be taken out of the economies visited are also included.

In line with the accrual principle, goods and services acquired during the visit, but paid for earlier or later, are included in travel. Goods and services may be acquired by being paid for by the person going abroad, paid for on his or her behalf, provided without a quid pro quo (for example, free room and board received: in such a case, there is also a corresponding transfer) or produced on own account (as in some cases of ownership of real estate and time-share accommodation).