Tourism features as determinants of knowledge transfer in the process of tourist cooperation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify and characterise determinants of knowledge transfer and absorption resulting from the specific features of tourism, as well as to indicate their consequences for cooperation between stakeholders in a tourist region. Applying a created conceptual framework and case study approach (a mountain tourist region in the south of Poland), five groups of determinants are identified: the domination of small and medium-sized enterprises, the fragmentation and diversity of supply, vocational reinforcers, ownership specificity and the regional/local character of tourism. The author shows how these determinants hinder knowledge transfer and absorption, and therefore generally negatively affect cooperation.