Tourism Destination Competitiveness Research Articles

Smart Destination Management: Challenges and Practices

Smart destination management is a rapidly evolving concept that aims to enhance the sustainability,competitiveness, and resilience of tourism destinations through the integration of innovativetechnologies and practices. While the benefits of Smart destination management are significant,there are also several challenges that need to be addressed. In this abstract, we explore the challengesand practices of Smart destination management. One of the key challenges is the lack of astandardized framework for Smart destination management. The absence of a common set of indicators,metrics, and benchmarks makes it difficult to measure the effectiveness of Smart destinationmanagement initiatives and compare performance across destinations.

The life cycle and competitive position of tourism destinations: a global empirical approach

ABSTRACT The competitiveness of tourism destinations depends on their degree of development or maturity. This article uses cluster analysis methods to establish the position in the life cycle of destinations in a pool of 154 countries. The article also explores their evolution between 2007 and 2017 doing a static comparative exercise. The position in the life cycle is determined by using confidence intervals for the means of the main variables. Following a recent and innovative methodology, thresholds are proposed that could potentially allow for a change of phase in the life cycle. Moreover, the article examines the main determinants of the competitiveness of the different destination groups as a function of their life-cycle position.

FACTORS AFFECTING BRANDS AND COMPETITIVENESS OF TOURISM DESTINATIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MEKONG DELTA

International travel is one of the fastest-expanding links, connecting countries worldwide and bringing them closer together. Since 1990, many Southeast Asian countries have opened their doors to international integration and have become attractive destinations for international tourists by promoting tourism development, typically Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The study of brands and competitiveness for tourism destinations in Vietnam is essential. However, there is no research done yet to study the brands and competitiveness of destinations in Mekong Delta. This research aims to define factors affecting the brand and competitiveness of a tourism destination; its foundation is a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research methods and it focuses on a case study in the Mekong Delta. Group conversations with specialists were held to conduct qualitative research. Research directly interviewed 650 tourists in Mekong Delta tourist areas and was used to conduct quantitative research. The research will show which specific factors affect the brand and destination competitiveness in the Mekong Delta that other researchers have not shown. The research results show that: (i) brand of a destination is affected by eight factors (tourism infrastructure, natural environment, destination adaptation, culinary culture, safety and security in tourism, hospitality, service costs and local folk music); (ii) competitiveness of a destination is affected by nine factors (tourism infrastructure, natural environment, destination adaptation, culinary culture, safety and security in tourism, human service costs, local folk music and brand). From the results, this research suggests some managerial implications for expanding brands and strengthening the destination competitiveness in the Mekong Delta.

Examining the relationship between online distribution channels and tourist satisfaction and loyalty

Although the Internet and e-commerce have contributed positively to the tourism sector, there is not much empirical research on the transformation of distribution channels or that considers the use of the Internet in travel planning as an antecedent of tourist satisfaction and loyalty. This paper aims to test the influence of online distribution channels in trip planning by tourists on their general satisfaction level and their loyalty towards the destination and to differentiate the profile of digital and traditional tourists. Quantitative research techniques are used to analyse the dataset of 1,387 surveys of tourists visiting the province of Burgos, Spain. Among those surveyed, 65% search for information online and 54% book or pay for services online. According to ordinal regression analysis, the use of online channels does not significantly influence the level of satisfaction, but according to binary logistic regression, it does significantly influence loyalty. The findings provide valuable information for developing marketing strategies in tourism organisations and support decision-makers in creating competitive tourism destinations that are resilient to the demographic challenge of depopulation.

Building Destination Competitiveness Through Memorable Tourism Experience

Destination competitiveness is a challenge for the development of tourist attractions. Tourist destinations do not only discuss what attractions tourists can enjoy but are more broadly interpreted as what tourists can experience. This research aims to prove the mediating role of memorable tourism experiences on the relationship between tourist perception and destination competitiveness. The population in this study were tourists who were travelling or had travelled to the Ijen Blue Fire Crater. The population in this study is infinite because valid data was not obtained. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling method with 150 respondents. The analytical tool used in the research is SEM-PLS with SmartPLS 4 software. The research results prove that tourists' perceptions have a positive and significant effect on the memory tourism experience, and the memory tourism experience has a positive and significant impact on the destination's competitiveness. The urgency of this study is an essential experience for tourists in determining their desire to visit a destination repeatedly. Thus, this research shows that destination competitiveness can be built with methods that arouse emotions and influence tourists with triggers from memorable tourist experiences.

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS AND BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS OF DOMESTIC TOURISTS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA: AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY

This research aims to examine the demographics and behavioral patterns of domestic tourists in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized a descriptive research method with a quantitative approach, employing online questionnaires to collect data from respondents who have traveled within the country since March 20, 2020. The collected data were analyzed to gain insights into the demographic characteristics, travel frequency, travel motivations, modes of transportation, and types of tourist attractions visited by the respondents. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged between 19 and 25, primarily originating from Bali, East Java, and Yogyakarta provinces. The main reasons for travel were family invitations, recreation, and stress relief, with private vehicles being the preferred mode of transportation. In conclusion, this study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourists' travel intentions and preferences. By understanding the demographics and behavior of tourists, destination managers can develop effective marketing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen the competitiveness of tourism destinations in the current pandemic era.

Exploring Destination Competitiveness Based on the Quality of Human Resources

This research aims to determine the role of human resource quality in increasing the competitiveness of tourist destinations. This research uses a literature review design with five stages by relating conditions in the Kalibukbuk Tourism Area. The research results show that the competitiveness of destinations in the Kalibukbuk Tourism Area is influenced by the quality of human resources. This is because tourism in the Kalibukbuk tourism area is competitive due to the potential of attractions and nature as destination resources. The results of this research provide recommendations for expanding expertise regarding the tools and materials needed in the service industry, so that attitudes, actions, manners and other characteristics need to be developed, because tourism areas will have competitiveness if the human resources in them are of high quality.

Drivers of social innovation for tourism enterprises: a study on lifestyle entrepreneurship

The importance of tourism lifestyle entrepreneurs (TLEs) for the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism destinations has gained much attention from academic researchers and policy makers. A key characteristic of TLEs is their social ties and attachment to the physical and social environment, this in turn drives motivations to support and protect the destination that enables entrepreneurs to achieve their lifestyle goals. Thus, the interdependencies between TLEs and destination is a catalyst for value co-creation and social innovation (i.e., generating and implementing new solutions to social problems and needs). While the extant research has focused on business’ financial performance outcomes, our understanding of the drivers of TLE social innovation and the implications for the sustainability of tourism-based communities remains a major gap. This study analyzes survey data through PLS-SEM and fsQCA to identify the factors influencing TLEs social innovation activities. Findings suggest that 1) value co-creation, and 2) TLE proactiveness directly influence social innovation, and support a mediation effect on the relationship between the businesses’ market orientation and social innovation practices. These finding introduce new knowledge on the drivers of TLE social innovation, with practical implications for local governments and destination authorities in supporting the sustainability of destinations.

Towards a risk-adjusted tourism and travel competitiveness index

The concept of Tourism Destinations Competitiveness has evolved from a price-focused perspective to the consideration of multiple factors including sustainability, residents’ well-being, or destination image. Regardless of the version used, it is expected that a competitive destination should be able to convert its advantageous position into economic returns. However, the pandemic has come to upset the foundations of the sector, since many of the destinations traditionally classified as highly competitive have also been the most affected by the pandemic. In this paper, we propose to review the notion of competitiveness by considering properly the dimension of inherent risk, using specific composite indexes, and adjusting conventional competitiveness indicators including these dimensions. We revise the results of these new adjusted by risk competitiveness indexes for the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) and OECD partner countries. Among other relevant points, the findings indicate relevant changes in rankings when we explicitly include risk in the competitiveness calculations.

Exploring Tourism Destination: A Potential of Mountain Tourism in Sudurpaschim Province

Exploring competitiveness of tourism destinations is very important in order to understand problems and potentials of regional tourism development and formulation of effective tourism strategies. Most of the tourists and tourism activities in Nepal are concentrated and clustered in central and north-eastern part of the country. In this context, the current paper assesses the existing status of tourism resources at provincial level and focuses on potentials and challenges in the far-western province. Three major components of tourism competitiveness as identified by Ritchie and Crouch (2003) namely, primary resources, secondary resources and tourist demand were analyzed based on 6 selected indicators and 25 variables identified by Goffi (2013). A total of 3224 sites in seven provinces were identified under core tourism resources. Core tourism is rated highest in competitiveness, while tourism policy and planning resulted a lowest rating. Bagmati has the highest score whereas Karnali has the lowest in overall competitiveness. Greater level of dispersion is found in adventure and leisure tourism resources. The study found that, though strategies like diversification and improvement of tourism products and the new area are acknowledged, specified 200 destinations under Visit Nepal 2020 don’t adhere to such standards. Visit Nepal 2020 identified the least number of touristic destination in Sudurpaschim. Though tourism infrastructure and services are found to be fair in the Sudurpaschim province, while destination promotion through digital platforms is limited. Increasing repetitive visits and seasonality are major areas of concern with the lowest rating value. It is concluded that the development and promotion of adventurous and leisure activities in Sudurpaschim have potential to diversify inbuilt seasonality of other provinces and increased length of stay. Essentially, local inhabitants should be encouraged in tourism sector, who are the immediate and most important stakeholders to proliferate the competitiveness of tourism destinations.

Problems of the development of cultural tourism in the Carpathian region: the vision of consumers and service providers

Tourism development in Ukraine has improved in terms of tourist flows, both as a diversification of tourism demand and tourism products in the last decades. Cultural tourism is a promising direction of tourist activity and occupies a leading position in the modern global tourist management system. The object of research is cultural tourism within the tourist destination of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Regarding this, the authors revisit the phenomenon of cultural tourism in the country, in order to identify cultural tourism potential through cultural consumption among tourists, applying a special tourism survey. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems of the development of cultural tourism in the Carpathian region from the point of view of demand and supply of cultural tourism programs based on the results of a comprehensive sociological study on the evaluation of tourist objects and the possibility of their inclusion in the cross-border tourist product “Carpathian Cultural Route”. The results of the survey demonstrated responses from 264 consumers of cultural tourism, which is 2,5% of the number of tourists (general population), and 140 respondents – employees of cultural institutions (objects of cultural tourism), the calculated sample of which was 28% of providers of cultural tourism services. The estimated sample was 28% of cultural tourism service providers. Among the positive aspects of the visit, tourists noted the price policy of institutions acceptable to them, the high level of authenticity and historical and cultural value of objects, the appropriate quality of service, and emotional comfort when visiting cultural and historical objects. According to consumers, the main problems of the development of cultural tourism are the low level of infrastructure support of objects and tourist destinations in general, the limited range of additional services, and limited information about the object. The authors emphasize the importance of developing culturally coherent policies to increase the competitiveness of tourist destinations. The most significant problems of the development of cultural tourism from the point of view of employees of tourist objects of cultural tourism are low level of infrastructure development of cultural tourist objects and tourist destinations in general, insufficient financing of institutions, low level of monetization of objects, low level of tourist and cultural activities in a tourist destination, insufficient advertising of the tourist object, imperfection of state tools for regulating tourist activity within cultural objects, low qualification of employees. Scientific developments on this topic will foster the application of innovative approaches towards the differentiation of cultural tourism objects, which, as a consequence, will help to target potential consumers and improve cultural tourism programs.

A FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING WELLNESS TOURISM DESTINATION COMPETITIVENESS: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WELLNESS TOURISM CLUSTERS IN THAILAND

This article aims to identify the variables that determine wellness tourism destination competitiveness using a case study in Thailand. This study outlines a suggested competitiveness framework for wellness tourism destinations based on the viewpoint of wellness tourism clusters. The study’s model illustrates the different categories and components and their relationship to competitiveness. Thirteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with leading experts in wellness tourism. Thematic and content analysis was used to examine the interview data using the Nvivo 12 programme. The study identified seven emerging themes that encompass factors that affect a wellness tourism destination’s competitiveness. These factors include the destination’s environment, the area’s policy and strategy to facilitate travelling and wellness tourism, infrastructure and capability to support wellness tourism, human-made resources and culture of wellness tourism, strategy and structure for healthcare services, potential for developing innovation and cooperation to build collaborative strengths and proactive marketing. The participants’ descriptions show the existence of a comprehensive framework for assessing the competitiveness of wellness tourism destinations in the Thai wellness tourism market. The concept elucidates the dynamic complexity of wellness tourism destination competition, which is believed to guarantee success for both individual stakeholders and society.

Governance and Competitiveness of Tourism Destinations: Validation of the Structural Model in the Case of Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop, test, and validate a structural model to measure the relationship between tourism governance and the competitiveness of tourism destinations in Brazil. The research has exploratory and quantitative approaches. The study’s target population were public actors, private and civil society who work in the Brazilian tourism sector. The results revealed a reliable and valid structure for modeling tourism governance and competitiveness of tourism destinations in Brazil. The main practical implications are to identify the dimensions of the measurement of tourism governance and competitiveness of tourism destinations in Brazil; by enabling the organization of an analytical tool for measuring, evaluating, and monitoring the actions of decision-makers presenting which dimensions are most important for each construct in the Brazilian assessment.

Revisiting perceived determinants of tourism destination competitiveness among tourists: The case of national parks in Sarawak, Malaysia

The present study aims to widen the existing literature by discovering potential determining factors at selected ecotourism destinations, primarily involving Bako, Niah, Kubah, Gunung Gading and Gunung Mulu National Parks. A closed questionnaire was answered by 188 respondents. Preliminary analyses were performed and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed as the analytical measure, thus discovering the significant role of destination resource constructs in the enhancement of ecotourism competitiveness in Sarawak, Malaysia. The statistical findings of the current work revealed that endowed resources (natural resources and cultural heritage attractions), created resources (range of activities) as well as supporting resources (destination accessibility and quality of tourism services) lead to enhanced tourism destination competitiveness. The research adds to the growing body of knowledge examining the perspectives of tourists towards the determining factors of destination competitiveness, while providing meaningful insights for industry actors, thus enabling effective planning of management and development. The present work offers empirical evidence that gives information for industry stakeholders, including business operators, policy makers and tourism planners in order for natural tourism destinations to prosper.

An Innovative Mobile Application for Wellness Tourism Destination Competitiveness Assessment: The Research and Development Approach

Objectives: This research developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative mobile application for wellness tourism destination competitiveness and also studied the adoption effectiveness of this application. Methods/Analysis: A mixed-methods research and development approach was applied to construct a wellness tourism destination competitiveness evaluation model for qualitative research using in-depth interviews, followed by quantitative research using a questionnaire. Weighted scores of criteria and indicators for wellness tourism destination competitiveness were evaluated by the DEMATEL method. The cut-off points for classifying the competitiveness level were set by K-means cluster analysis, while the internal and external accuracy of the model were validated by the confusion matrix technique and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The innovative mobile application was developed using a linear waterfall conceptual design consisting of five software development phases: requirement, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance. A questionnaire was also used to assess the adoption and commercialization of the innovative mobile application. Findings: Results showed that 1) the model gave high accuracy with the confusion matrix technique at 85.42% and the Kruskal-Wallis test classified destination competitiveness at a significance level of 0.0001; and 2) the level of adoption of the innovative mobile application was high. Target users were interested in purchasing a license as the commercial mode of the program. Novelty/Improvement:This research provides a tool to assess the overall competitiveness of wellness tourism destinations. Results can be used to support decision-making and provide practical suggestions for wellness tourism cluster users to adapt when conducting their own competitiveness assessment. The competitiveness assessment results were accurate and in line with the research objectives. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2023-04-03-010 Full Text: PDF

Prospects for the development of gastro tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period

Gastronomic tourism is an introduction to the traditional cuisine of a particular area, available to any tourist, not just the fate of the chosen ones. The article highlights the main features, trends, problems and prospects of the development of gastronomic tourism in Ukraine in modern conditions. The purpose of the study is to develop theoretical and methodological provisions for the improvement of the gastronomic tourism market of Ukraine, taking into account the realities of the post-war recovery of the industry. The subject of the study is the prospects for the development of gastrotourism in Ukraine in the post-war period. During the writing of the article, official statistical data on the development of gastronomic tourism in Ukraine, analytical data on the state of tourist industry facilities, and current legal documents were used. The conducted research was based mainly on the use of methods of theoretical analysis, analysis of statistical data, expert assessments and comparative analysis. The following results were obtained. The paper analyzes the state and prospects of the development of gastrotourism in Ukraine, examines the resource gastronomic potential of the country, and proposes a strategy for the development of gastronomic tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period, which is currently very relevant in the context of the restoration of tourism in the country. The areas of strategic development of gastronomic tourism are presented, each of which has its own strategic goals and tasks that must be completed to achieve the set goal. Conclusions. Based on the conducted research, for the further development of gastronomic tourism in Ukraine as part of the implementation of the domestic and inbound tourism development program, it is necessary to: develop new gastronomic tourism routes and update the existing ones; develop a program to support small and medium-sized enterprises that participate in the creation and operation of gastronomic tours; to improve the state of the tourist infrastructure, primarily in the places of hostilities; engage in the development of gastronomic brands and their promotion at the national and international levels; ensure the training of highly qualified personnel in the field of service; to develop partnerships with international organizations on matters of tourism and cultural heritage support, etc. Thanks to the proposed measures, it will be possible to ensure the competitiveness of tourist destinations and enterprises, increase the number and quality of jobs, the quality of life of the local population, including by expanding the capabilities of local communities and interested parties in planning and decision-making regarding the management and development of tourism.

Local Branding: Imperative Strategy Towards Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations Through the Role of Social Media

The aim of the research is to form the Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations to realize tourism marketing through Local Branding. The variables tested are Local Branding and Destination Image. Social Media is expected to moderate the influence of Local Branding on the Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations. The population is visitors to tourist attractions, while the sample is 152. Respondents are determined using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling technique. SEM as an analysis tool with the smartPLS.3.0 program application The results of the Sustainable Destination Competitiveness test results can be manifested through optimal management of Local Branding and Destination Image. Local Branding can be applied through Local Culture and Destination Image. Local Branding significantly affects the Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations, while Local Culture significantly influences Local Branding. Destination Image significantly influences Local Branding and significantly influences the Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations. Social Media is able to function as a pure moderator of the influence of Local Branding on the Competitiveness of Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Semarang City. The R - Square value in the Local Branding construct is 0.758536, meaning that Local Branding is influenced by Local Culture and Destination Image 75.85%. The Q Square value > 0 (0.575377) on the Local Branding variable indicates that the model has strong predictive relevance, meaning that the research model has relevance in predicting Local Culture and Destination Image with Local Branding in Tourism Objects. R-Square on the construct of Sustainable Destination Competitiveness 0.817528 means that the Competitiveness of Sustainable Destinations is influenced by Local Branding and Destination Image 81.75%. The Q Square value of 0.668352 (> 0) indicates that the model has strong predictive relevance, meaning that the research model has relevance in predicting Local Branding and Destination Image on the Competitiveness of Sustainable Tourism Destinations.

Double Impact: A Macroeconomic Study of the Crossed Influences Between Climate Change and Business Tourism

Abstract International tourism is a main sector of economy that witnesses continuous and tremendous growth in developed and developing countries and expresses destabilization by several factors including climate change. Being considered as a sensitive sector to climate, tourism shows, through several criteria such as number of arrivals and receipts, an influence by environmental and socioeconomic modifications. This article will outline the interrelationships between climate change phenomenon and the business component of the international tourism. Three focal elements that were developed through literature on the effects of climate change for tourism will be critically reviewed: climate change and temporal shifts in tourism demand, climate-inducted change and destination competitiveness within the major market segment of business tourism, and future tourist mobility. The review will develop the differential weakness of tourism destinations and the consequence in competitiveness that will transform some international markets. This will be relevant to explain why destinations will need to adapt to the risks and opportunities posed by climate change. Despite several elements illustrating progress in the past years, an important gap of knowledge in each of the major impact areas needs to be looked into in order to indicate to the concerned tourist the necessity for a well preparation toward challenges of climate change.

A Study on the Impact of Tourist Perceived Value and Satisfaction in Mountain Glacier Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Dagu Glacier

Starting from the background of mountain tourism, studying the satisfaction of tourists in mountain glacier tourism destinations can not only reflect the overall competitiveness of tourism destinations, but also provide guidance for the development planning of tourism destinations. Through the correlation analysis of SPSS and smartpls, it is concluded that the satisfaction of tourists in Dagu Glacier Mountain Glacier tourism destinations is mainly influenced by the cultural environment, experiential value, resource value, and consumption of mountain glacier tourism destinations. Structural equation model analysis shows that tourism destinations ultimately form. a functional relationship of “one strong, four weak, and two weak”. Through relevant research, this article finally proposes suggestions for optimizing and improving tourist satisfaction from the perspectives of cultural environment, infrastructure, talent services, and comprehensive development of tourist destinations. These suggestions have certain reference value for improving tourist satisfaction and sustainable development of tourist destinations.

Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index: From Theoretical Definition to Practical Analysis in Romania

The competitiveness of tourist destinations presents, from the perspective of sustainability, certain benefits in terms of local and regional development: the involvement of local authorities (city, local and county councils, population) in the conservation of tourist resources, the involvement of tourism agencies in the promotion of rural areas, the creation of brands for each tourist destination/region and the protection of cultural-historical heritage from degradation. Competitiveness, as a segment of sustainability, integrated in Romanian local communities, is necessary in order to offer tourists an unmistakable experience of the natural and anthropogenic tourism potential of destinations, to raise the population’s awareness, to preserve traditions, customs and habits and to practice tourism based on sustainability, awareness and without any pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to highlight the image of Romania’s tourism competitiveness, which could support the tourism economy in the long term, by analysing the Global Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index (TTCI) in Romania, compared to two other neighbouring countries, Bulgaria and Hungary. The Global Competitiveness Index provides an integrative picture of the main sub-indices that interfere in the formation of a country’s competitiveness, with insights on the 12 pillars that intervene in the sustainable development of tourist destinations worldwide.