In Search of Innovation Barriers to Tourist Destinations—Indications for Organizations Managing Destinations

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the innovation processes in tourist destinations using the Quadruple Helix model and to develop guidelines for building innovation management strategies in the tourism sector for destination management organizations (DMO). The article identifies the drivers and barriers to innovation processes reported by entrepreneurs in the tourism industry in Poland. The analysis was carried out in relation to 218 enterprises of the tourism industry operating in destinations in large cities as well as in destinations in small towns and rural areas. The research was carried out using a diagnostic survey with elements of a telephone interview. The research confirmed the usefulness of the Quadruple Helix model for the assessment of innovation processes in tourist destinations. A relationship was observed between the level of development of innovation processes, the size of the tourist destination and the level of competitiveness of the tourist market in the destination. The study showed a significant variation in the spatial and geographical system, as well as between individual factors responsible for the innovation processes in a tourist destination. The influence of the market, including consumers, is a strong point of these processes. The barriers include poorly developed structures of cooperation between enterprises, DMO, scientific and research institutions, and civil society, as well as their participation in the innovation processes of tourist destinations. Final conclusions: it should be stated that the innovative processes in Polish tourist destinations are underdeveloped. They do not affect the development of tourism markets and the competitiveness of destinations.