Destination Competitiveness: Determinants and Indicators

TLDR

The model aims to capture key competitiveness elements from the literature while addressing tourism‑specific issues. The study develops a destination‑competitiveness model, defines key success factors, creates indicators, evaluates its strengths and limits, and outlines future research directions. The model is paired with objective and subjective indicators derived from the generic competitiveness framework and workshop discussions in Korea and Australia. The model and indicators enable identification of destinations’ strengths and weaknesses, helping industry and governments boost tourism and socioeconomic prosperity.

Abstract

The paper develops a model of destination competitiveness that will enable comparisons between countries and between tourism sector industries. The model seeks to capture the main elements of competitiveness highlighted in the general literature, while appreciating the special issues involved in exploring the notion of destination competitiveness as emphasised by tourism researchers. Associated with the model is a set of indicators that can be used to measure the competitiveness of any given destination. These indicators, comprising both objective and subjective measures, were identified from the major elements comprising the generic destination competitiveness model and also from discussions at workshops held in Korea and Australia. This paper has four major objectives: to develop a model of destination competitiveness that identifies key success factors in determining destination competitiveness; to develop an appropriate set of indicators of destination competitiveness; to highlight the advantages and limitations of the model; and to identify areas for further conceptual and empirical research. The development of a model of destination competitiveness and an associated set of indicators allows identification of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different tourism destinations, and can be used by industry and governments to increase tourism numbers and expenditure, and enhance socioeconomic prosperity.