Tourism Competitiveness Research Articles

Does Low-Carbon City Transition Empower Tourism Economy? Evidence from China

The tourism economy is inseparably linked to the ecological environment, serving as a “green engine” in the promotion of the low-carbon transition of cities and the realization of high-quality economic development. Taking the implementation of a low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policy as a quasinatural experiment, we assess the impact of a low-carbon transition on the urban tourism economy using a time-varying difference-in-differences identification strategy based on the panel data of 279 Chinese cities covering the period from 2007 to 2019. The results indicate that LCCPs have a favorable effect on the development of the tourism economy. Compared to non-pilot cities, the implementation of LCCPs has led to an average increase of approximately CNY 1918 in tourism receipts per inhabitant in pilot cities. The mechanism analysis reveals that the implementation of LCCPs promotes the tourism economy by energizing the tourism market and accumulating ecological wealth. Specifically, LCCPs have not only optimized the supply of tourism products and related services but have also improved the competitiveness of regional tourism by energizing the tourism market. Meanwhile, LCCPs have improved the ecological environment and enriched natural resources through the accumulation of urban ecological wealth, thereby enhancing urban tourism attractiveness and environmental carrying capacity. The heterogeneity results show that the impact of LCCPs on the tourism economy varies significantly by tourism resource endowment, border-crossing status, and ecological landscape division. Our findings provide empirical evidence that can be used to promote the tourism economy in other countries and facilitate the industrial transformation during the process of a low-carbon transition.

An Evaluation of the Rural Tourism Industry’s Competitiveness in the Yangtze River Economic Belt Based on the “Diamond Model”—Exampled by Wenjiang District, Huangpi District, and Jiangning District

Rural tourism has emerged as a significant option to meet the people’s growing needs for a better life in the new era. Evaluating the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry plays a crucial role in promoting rural revitalization. This article is based on a modified Porter’s diamond model. This study focuses on representative rural tourism demonstration areas in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, specifically Wenjiang District in Chengdu, Huangpi District in Wuhan, and Jiangning District in Nanjing. The Delphi method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process were employed to construct a competitiveness evaluation index system for rural tourism and to assign weights. This article evaluates and compares the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry in the case study regions. This research reveals that the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibits a pattern of strong competitiveness in the middle reaches, weaker competitiveness in the upper reaches, and moderate competitiveness in the lower reaches. These differences are significantly influenced by the region’s tourism resource endowments, tourism infrastructure, and market scale. Huangpi District demonstrates strong competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This strength is attributed to its well-developed rural tourism supply system. Jiangning District has moderate competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This is supported by a strong market demand and a relatively complete tourism support system. Wenjiang District shows weaker competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This weakness results from a fragile rural tourism supply system and a sluggish market demand. This article concludes with recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of rural tourism in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Opportunities and Challenges For Developing Cross-Border Tourism On The Indonesia - Malaysia Border In Sambas District, West Kalimantan Province

This study analyzes the development of Cross-Border Tourism in the Indonesia-Malaysia border region in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, in the perspective of Islamic Economics. The study focuses on the development patterns, opportunities, and challenges faced in the management of cross-border tourism. This research is descriptive qualitative with normative, conceptual, and comparative approaches, involving an analysis of the provisions of the Qur'an, Hadith, tourism theory, as well as a comparison of Cross-Border Tourism models. The results show that the development of cross-border tourism in Sambas Regency has significant potential in increasing tourist attraction and strengthening cross-border economic relations. The implementation of sharia principles, such as the provision of a Muslim-friendly environment, adequate access to worship, halal products, and sharia-based services, is an important factor in optimizing this potential. Despite the great opportunities, the main challenges include sub-optimal infrastructure, cross-border regulations, and synergy between stakeholders. Therefore, a sharia-based development strategy is needed to create sustainable and competitive tourism, while supporting inclusive regional economic development.

Cirebon City Tourism Competitiveness for Tourism Economic Development

In the West Java Provincial Tourism Development Master Plan, Cirebon City is included in the Provincial Tourism Strategic Area (KSPP), with tourist attractions in the Cultural Heritage Area. The development of the tourism sector can generate jobs, equal income distribution, and community welfare. As a city that is one of the tourism development areas of West Java, and one of the cities that ranks 4th in the number of GDP according to Regencies/Cities in West Java, the focus of this research is on the competitive advantage of Cirebon City tourism in the province using the Tourism Competitiveness Index. By using eight tourism competitiveness indicators according to TTCI, including the Human Tourism Indicator, Price Competitiveness Indicator, Human Resources Indicator, Openness Indicator, Social Development Indicator, Infrastructure Development Indicator, Environment Indicator, and Technology Advancement Indicator. Using secondary data with quantitative descriptive analysis and comparative approaches, the competitive advantages of Cirebon City tourism will be known

Tourism sector in Bukittinggi: Analysis of tourism competitiveness before and after COVID-19

The tourism industry, a crucial service sector, has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic, Covid-19. This impact has not only affected the development of tourism but also the regional economy. Bukittinggi, a key tourism city in West Sumatra, now more than ever, requires a competitive analysis to ensure its continuous growth. This research is aimed at analyzing and comparing Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The research, a quantitative descriptive study with an exploratory research design, utilizes Competitiveness Monitor analysis. The data, sourced from BPS, BKD, and Bukittinggi Tourism Office, is secondary. The research results present the comparative results of the Tourism Competitiveness Analysis of Bukittinggi city as follows: a). PCI before Covid-19 was greater than after Covid-19; b). EI competitiveness before Covid-19 was higher than after Covid-19; c). HTI after Covid-19 was higher than before Covid-19; d). IDI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; e). OI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; 6). HRI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; f). TAI Value competitiveness index after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; g). SDI before and after Covid-19 is equal. This research explains comparison of Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The contribution of study are: a). consideration on improving tourism sites; b). Tourism management needs to be carried out in an integrated manner; and c). The government is expected to conduct more repairs and maintenance on tourism locations to increase visitor comfort when traveling.

MODEL STORYTELLING NARASI PARIWISATA REGENERATIF DI TAHURA NGURAH RAI PEMOGAN

This study examines the regenerative tourism product storytelling model at Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura). Regenerative tourism focuses on environmental restoration, local community empowerment, and creating sustainable experiences that involve tourists. Through a storytelling approach, cultural values, history, and local wisdom narratives are used as key elements in designing unique and competitive tourism narrative products. The study uses a case study approach to deeply understand the social and ecological phenomena occurring at Tahura Ngurah Rai. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and literature reviews. The theory of historical commodification (G.J. Ashworth: 1999) serves as the main theory, supported by narrative theory (Gerard Genette, 1980) to design regenerative tourism product narratives based on storytelling. The findings show that the application of the storytelling concept in creating regenerative tourism narratives at Tahura Ngurah Rai not only enhances the economic value of tourism post-Covid-19 but also supports the regeneration of the mangrove ecosystem, community empowerment, and strengthens the image of tourist attractions based on local wisdom. This model provides strategic guidance for tourism managers in integrating sustainability, cultural, and local narrative elements as the foundation for developing tourism narrative products that have a positive ecological impact and gender empowerment.

SMART APPROACH FOR TOURISM

Today, there are so many tourism applications such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia that allow the booking of accommodation, flights, and activities; however, these platforms often lack the personalization in user experience and seamless integration of services. Many of these focus on either lodging or travel arrangement, thus not filling the gap in holistic travel planning. Our proposed tourism app is meant to enhance user experience through the provision of a single platform that allows users to book destinations, hotels, transportation, and events all in one place with an emphasis on personalization. The app will be flexible for both individuals and families, thus catering to different travel needs. Unlike the existing apps, we shall implement an easy interface which will simplify the booking process and integrate a robust user profile management system for storage of preference and previous bookings. Additionally, our app shall include a secure payment gateway that supports various payment methods to enable fluid transaction experience. Focusing on user-centric design, personalized recommendations, and comprehensive service integration, our app will be the most attractive in the competitive tourism market and provide a more cohesive and enjoyable travel planning experience for users. KEYWORDS Integrated Travel App, Unified Booking Platform, ReactJS,Python, Google Firebase Database, Flask, Real- time data, RazorPay, User-friendly Interface, Multi- Service Integration, Secure Payment Gateway, API integration.

Siak Tourism Based on Environmental Policy: Analysis of Tourism Development Opportunities and Challenges

This research seeks to examine various environmentally based international tourism developments with investment policies in Siak Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. This research aims to identify, map international tourism opportunities and solutions specifically for tourism in Siaknegara district. Research data was collected based on observations, interviews and documentation in the field. Once collected, the data is analyzed by SWOT analysis. The research results show the need to make strategic formulations in order to develop internationally so that it is sustainable. The government’s policy of developing international border tourism for various stakeholders to collaborate has not been well integrated between the central government and the local government. The focus point for Siak tourism development is basic infrastructure and public facilities so that it is hoped that it will continue to increase the value and competitiveness of international border tourism. Siak tourism has the tagline “The Homeland of Malay”. All tourism activities must consider the existence of existing ecosystems in order to preserve existing life and maintain environmental quality. The need for policies and strategies in environmentally based management of natural tourism aims to preserve the environment and maintain the continuity of natural tourism activities so as to increase the country’s foreign exchange.

Identifikasi Pengelolaan Usaha Wisata Health And Wellness Di Samadi International Bali

This research is motivated by the growing global trend of Health and Wellness tourism. The continuously expanding tourism sector offers various activities for incoming tourists. Bali is one of the cities in Indonesia that offers many Health and Wellness attractions, and one of the popular destinations in the Canggu area is Samadi International Bali. This study utilizes qualitative data obtained through interviews, observations, documentation, and literature review. The analysis technique employed is qualitative data analysis, which involves analyzing data collected from qualitative records. The results of the research indicate that Samadi International Bali offers a variety of tourism products with high potential for continuous growth. These products include yoga classes, wellness workshops, organic food markets, and holistic health treatments, which attract a diverse group of health-conscious tourists. Moreover, the study identifies various factors that influence the management of the tourism business at Samadi International Bali. Positive factors, such as the high demand for wellness services and the reputation of Bali as a health tourism destination, can be further developed and maintained. On the other hand, factors that cannot be changed, such as local regulations and economic fluctuations, require innovative strategies to ensure the business's sustainability. The management at Samadi International Bali has been proactive in adapting to these challenges by continuously updating their service offerings and incorporating feedback from visitors to enhance their experience. Overall, Samadi International Bali exemplifies a successful model in Health and Wellness tourism by leveraging its diverse offerings and adapting to various influencing factors. The findings suggest that with strategic development and innovative approaches, similar destinations can achieve sustained growth and enhance their appeal in the competitive tourism market. This research highlights the importance of continuous innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving tourism industry. Keywords: Health and Wellness; Management; Tourism Business

The Competitiveness of Turkish Tourism in the Global Market

Assessing a country’s tourism competitiveness is vital for identifying its tourism potential. The aim of this study is to determine Türkiye’s competitiveness in world tourism exports over the period 2010–2023 and to compare the similarity of Türkiye’s exports to the world tourism market with 40 tourism exporting countries that provide complete data for the analyzed period. The study uses the Relative Export Advantage (RXA) Index and Export Similarity Index (ESI) from the Revealed Comparative Advantage indexes. The RXA analysis, based on Trade Map data, reveals that out of 26 competitive countries, 10 have a “strong”, 9 a “moderate”, and 7 a “weak” advantage. The top countries with a “strong” advantage are Macao, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jordan, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. According to 2023 Trade Map data, Türkiye, ranking sixth globally in tourism export revenues, is the most competitive among Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, Morocco, Egypt, Indonesia, Greece, and Italy, which have a “medium” competitive advantage. The ESI results show that Türkiye’s export similarity with highly competitive countries was initially higher during 2010–2023 but has since decreased.

Application of Quantum GIS in the Development of 3D Maps in the Tourism Bakunjangan Application

This research explores the use of Quantum GIS (QGIS) in developing 3D maps for the Bakunjangan tourism application in Banjarmasin City. The integration of spatial data, sensors, and open data sources such as OpenStreetMap (OSM) aims to improve accuracy, consistency, and visitor experience. The development of 3D maps follows the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method, which outlines strategies and processes for developing, designing, and maintaining software projects, ensuring that all goals, objectives, functionalities, and user needs are met. The urgency of this research lies in its ability to support the Banjarmasin City government in managing and developing local tourism, especially with the increase in tourist visits from 2,487 in 2022 to 3,895 in 2023. The 3D map feature in the Bakunjangan Application is expected to provide accurate information and a more satisfying experience for tourists, as well as enhance the competitiveness of tourism at the national level. The development of the 3D maps was conducted after a survey of 55 Ground Control Points (GCP) in various tourist areas. The QGIS application, with the help of the Qgis2threejs plugin, facilitates the creation of 3D map animations, although five tourist attractions could not be animated. To optimally display the 3D maps, an internet connection with a minimum speed of 10 Mbps is required. As a result, the Bakunjangan Application produced 65 interactive user interfaces and 50 3D animations of tourist attractions, with an application feasibility rating of 89%, placing it in the excellent category.

Exploring the interdependent drivers of tourism competitiveness: insights from the Travel and Tourism Development Index

Exploring the interdependent drivers of tourism competitiveness: insights from the Travel and Tourism Development Index

Island destination workforce development and inclusion

The one island-one resort concept of the Maldives features a distinct upscale tourism experience for visitors that offers seclusion, remoteness, and privacy. In view of each island as its own resort, the isolation among the islands poses unique challenges for workforce development as employees live on the same island where they work to serve the tourists. In an increasingly competitive tourism market, the resilience of the Maldives as a tourism destination stands on the inclusion of its local residents in the workforce. Largely dependent on tourism to sustain the economy, the Maldives persists with environmental concerns, political strife, and rapid socio-cultural changes along with other unprecedented challenges of an island destination. To understand the experiences of the local employees working in remote upscale resorts, the transcendental phenomenology approach was used to capture the essences of the employees’ lived experiences. Essences are the building blocks of experiences with narratives filtered into specific essences and sub-essences derived from the one island-one resort model. The examined essences including serenity, solidarity, self-development, discontentment, antagonism, and workplace alienation can advance understanding to promote inclusive tourism policies for transitioning remote island destinations.

SERVICE ORIENTATION AS A DRIVER OF ENGAGEMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION: INSIGHTS FROM SERBIAN HOTEL EMPLOYEES

The study investigates the relationships between service orientation, job engagement, and job satisfaction among hotel employees in Serbia. The research surveyed 244 employees across hotels of varying categorization levels, employing quantitative methods using AMOS software. Results reveal a significant positive influence of service orientation on job engagement, which in turn positively impacts job satisfaction. The study also explores the direct effect of service orientation on satisfaction and its indirect influence mediated by engagement. Findings highlight partial mediation, underscoring engagement's critical role in linking service orientation to satisfaction. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between employees with tourism-related education and those from other backgrounds in terms of these three variables. The research underscores the importance of fostering service-oriented practices to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, which are essential for delivering high-quality services. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and practical implications for human resource strategies in the hospitality sector. By addressing the interplay of these variables, this study contributes to understanding how employee-centric practices can drive organizational success in competitive tourism markets. Limitations and prospects for comparative studies across different economic contexts are also discussed.

Improvement of Sustainable Economic Mechanisms for the Formation of Tourist and Recreational Clusters in the Khorezm Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Objective: The study aims to create scientific and practical recommendations and proposals for enhancing the mechanisms of forming tourist and recreational clusters through innovative approaches, specifically tailored for application in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Method: Research was conducted through case studies, literature reviews, and data collection, focusing on identifying key factors in cluster formation, analyzing competitive tourism clusters, and developing strategies for the Khorezm region. Results and Discussion: The research focuses on enhancing the formation of tourist and recreational clusters in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan through innovative approaches. It proposes organizing tourist complexes at various development levels, leveraging ecotourism and cultural-pilgrimage clusters such as "Khiva Smart," and developing zones like the "Amu Darya Ecological Zone." The study highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and the tourism potential of the region, with forecast values for growth in tourist flows between 2024-2027. Research Implications: Theoretically, the research introduces an innovative cluster formation model that can serve as a framework for future studies on tourism development, especially in regions with underutilized recreational potential. The findings also highlight the importance of seasonality in cluster planning, ensuring optimal resource allocation and long-term sustainability.

Evolution of transport, accessibility and tourism competitiveness in Extremadura (Spain): a benchmarking analysis

The efficiency of the transportation options available to tourists, in terms of convenience and time, directly impacts the competitiveness of a destination in the tourism sector. The aim of this study is to compare how the indicators of accessibility and connectivity of transportation have evolved across Spain's Autonomous Regions. To achieve this, we used indicators related to the sufficiency and connectivity of air and high-speed train services, as well as land accessibility and connectivity, as provided by Exceltur's Monitur reports. For a dynamic analysis, which is essential in assessing this type of infrastructure, we considered the values of these indicators from the first Monitur report (2010) and the most recent one (2018). Based on these values for the 17 Autonomous Regions of Spain, we identified the regions that have gained relative competitiveness and those that have experienced a relative decline. The dynamic analysis conducted in this study has allowed us to classify the regions according to the evolution of their relative competitiveness. It highlights the key areas that destination managers should focus on to design strategies that enhance their competitive position.

Night tourscape in streets: Scale development and validation

Night tourscape is vital in attracting tourist interest and shaping their experience, which affects the vitality and sustainability of night tourism. Nonetheless, how to measure night tourscape remains unclear. This study thus used mixed research methods to develop a measurement scale of night tourscape. Results confirmed a night tourscape measurement scale with 19 items and four dimensions: spatial environment, culture display, employee representation, and business atmosphere. The scale has high reliability and convergent, construct, and discriminant validity. We also found the criterion validity of night tourscape by demonstrating its positive influence on recommendation intention. This study develops a night tourscape scale and contributes a valuable tool for comprehensively understanding the night tourism environment, which advances prior qualitative findings and paves the way for future quantitative research. The findings also have managerial relevance for optimal night tourscape design and achievement of night tourism competitiveness.

Integrating Marketing Strategy: Destination Image and Digital Marketing's Impact on Tourist Interest in Banyuwangi

This study aims to analyze the effect of Destination Image and Digital Marketing on tourist interest in Banyuwangi as a tourism destination. This research was conducted using qualitative data analysis (QDAS) methods and data was collected through a survey of 150 respondents who visited tourist destinations in Banyuwangi. The results revealed that Destination Image and Digital Marketing play an important role in generating tourists’ interest to visit Banyuwangi. However, several aspects need to be improved in Banyuwangi Tourism's digital marketing strategy, such as improving the quality of digital content, collaboration between stakeholders, and increasing the target market. Strategic recommendations include further investment in creative and interactive social media campaigns, continuous updates to the destination's official website, and the development of mobile applications that add users' value. By implementing these recommendations, the government and tourism industry players can ensure that Banyuwangi continues to develop as an attractive and competitive tourist destination. Keyword: Integrated Marketing Strategy; Destination Image; Digital Marketing; Tourist Interest

Tourism and productivity in NUTS regions: revisiting the tourism-led-efficiency hypothesis

ABSTRACT We employ data on 155 NUTS regions over 1996–2018 and assess the relationship between tourism and regional total factor productivity (TFP). We expand in two directions the literature on the Tourism-Led-Efficiency hypothesis at a sub-national level: methodologically, we are the first to use a large panel dataset framework; conceptually, this is the first study to disentangle the productivity effects of domestic tourism from those of foreign tourism. Our analysis reveals that domestic tourism is the key contributor to TFP. A large number of domestic tourists and the ease with which they can interact with local suppliers are primarily behind the contribution of domestic tourism to productivity gains. There is some evidence that foreign tourism can be associated with greater productivity in regions that are relatively open to foreign tourists, with a dynamic and competitive tourism industry that weighs significantly in the regional economy.

Empowering Local Tourism through Competitive Swimming Events for Sustainable Development at Swembath Natural Springs

This article presents the results of a community empowerment project aimed at revitalizing local tourism at Swembath Natural Springs in Naga Soppa, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra. Faced with declining visitor numbers and the need to boost local economic activity, this project integrated competitive swimming events as a new attraction while fostering sustainable development. The construction of an international-standard swimming pool served as the foundation for this initiative, offering a venue for sports tourism that attracts both athletes and recreational visitors. The project also included comprehensive training for local businesses, focusing on tourism management, digital marketing, and service improvement, thereby empowering the community to capitalize on the influx of tourists. The results show a significant increase in visitor numbers during swimming competitions, positively impacting local businesses such as food vendors, craft sellers, and accommodation providers. Moreover, the project fostered environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that the natural beauty of Swembath is preserved for future generations. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. The community now possesses the tools and infrastructure needed to maintain Swembath as a competitive tourist destination, with a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy. The project's success highlights the potential of integrating sports tourism and community-based empowerment to foster long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship.