The Determinant Factors of Tourism Destination Competitiveness and Destination Management: A Case Study from Malang City

Abstract

AbstractThis research aims to identify the determinant factors of tourism destination competitiveness and the determinant factors of destination management. This research applies interpretivism as the research paradigm with a single case study qualitative research. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The researchers transcribed the interview results and a thematic analysis was conducted to find the emerging themes in the transcript verbatim. The determinant factors of tourism destination competitiveness consist of tourist attraction, unique characteristics of tourism destinations, good accessibility, amenities (hotel and restaurant), safety, cleanliness, and friendliness of the locals. Destination management consists of organization, strength mapping, strategy to improve tourism destination competitiveness, synergy, addressing the problems that can decrease competitiveness, and tourism management during crises. Concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, the research findings include tourism management during crises as part of destination management. Crisis management is deemed important during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for the tourism sector, which the pandemic has hit the hardest. The major proposition of this research is that the determinant factors of tourism destination competitiveness managed through organized and thorough destination management could improve tourism destination competitiveness.