This paper examines the existing studies of the relationship between inbound tourism and economic growth. After a brief discussion of general economic growth theory and the reasons why a positive causal relationship may exist between export sectors and economic growth, it then delves into the theory-based evidence for an inbound tourism-led growth relationship. Following this, the relatively new empirical literature on the causal relationship between tourism and growth is examined in detail. Both theoretical and empirical evidence to date suggest that there is good reason to believe that inbound tourism promotion can lead to increased economic growth, but the literature is still relatively narrow. Deeper research into the specific mechanisms behind this relationship is needed to inform our understanding of the true growth impacts of export tourism expansion.